Undefeated prospect Jermaine Franklin is looking to become the next great American heavyweight and after 17 pro bouts, he will have the opportunity to showcase his talents on a national stage.
On April 13, many boxing fans will get a first look at Franklin, the 25-year-old prospect from Michigan with 13 knockout wins to his name, when he takes on veteran Rydell Booker. If the name Rydell Booker sounds familiar to those familiar with the sport in the 2000s, it is because Booker was once a contender who saw his 22-fight win streak get snapped at the hands of James Toney.
Even though Booker is 38 years old and is starting to get back into the groove of fighting on a regular basis once more after a near-14-year-old absence from the sport, Franklin understands the importance of this upcoming fight. In a recent conference call, Franklin was asked by Fightful what a win against Booker would mean for him moving forward.
"I think this fight will push my name out there as a rising contender because Rydell is still who he is. He still has a name and so the fight being on Showtime will get me the exposure I need. I think this is a great fight to push me out there as a contender," Franklin said.
Franklin's fight will be a part of the televised undercard of the April 13 Showtime card from Atlantic City, New Jersey, headlined by Claressa Shields vs. Christina Hammer for the undisputed WBA, WBO, WBC, IBF and Ring Magazine Female middleweight titles.
