ANTHONY JOSHUA’S career suffered another bloody nose after he was dragged the distance by Jermaine Franklin who tried to fight him after the bell.

After back-to-back losses to Oleksandr Usyk and the end of his WBA, IBF, and WBO world titles, the 33-year-old needed a convincing comeback.

He arrived with new trainer Derrick James at a career heaviest 18th 3lbs wearing perfect white shorts.

But he couldn’t put a dent in the 29-year-old former roofer and his once-resplendent kit ended up bright pink.

There were a couple of boos at the end and then AJ fancied some extra wrestling with the American that threatened to spill into a brawl - finally!

Joshua and Franklin nearly traded ADDITIONAL BLOWS after the final bell after more heated trash talk.

Members of Franklin's team jumped in and stopped their man from starting a mass brawl.

But thankfully it was cooled and the judges scored it: 118-111, 117-111, and 117-111 for a unanimously underwhelming win.

Joshua apologized for his lackluster display in an impassioned post-fight interview, saying: "That got a bit chaotic but I am calm now.

"I apologize to anyone who saw that. I respect Jermaine and all the fans.

"Jermaine had a good duck and dive style, he knew how to tuck up, and he did well.

"I should have knocked him out but now it is done and we are on to the next.

"When people come to fight me they bring a different type of energy, he was not here to roll over."

Franklin - who got the tube to the venue after the Blackwall tunnel closure caused gridlock - was so relaxed walking to the ring, punching fists with fans.

He was either living up to his 989 Assassin nickname, or he was just here for a payday and knew his bank balance was set for a huge boost in the morning.

AJ was the opposite, shadowboxing his way into the lights, with new Everlast gloves specially designed and stuffed with horsehair for power punches.

And when he made it to the ring he refused to take his eyes off of Franklin and tried to stare a hole into his dreadlocked head.

Joshua’s early jabs were crisp and Franklin had his head rocked back a couple of times but no real backhands were thrown in the opener.

But the Brit hero needed to have blood wiped away from his nose in the break.

AJ landed his first right hand in the second but Franklin stuck his tongue out to mock him.

A one-two followed and got the partisan crowd roaring but Joshua’s nose was leaking, it would have caused him problems breathing and it made the center of his face look like a bullseye for the visitor.

Franklin was busy in the third and enjoyed his best session with a couple of combinations.

But right on the bell the Watford man cracked him with a right hand that might have swayed the judges to award him the round.