Anthony Joshua to announce new trainer within weeks
Joshua has long trained under coach Rob McCracken
Nigeria born British boxer Anthony Joshua is yet to confirm his new trainer but a decision is expected in the coming weeks.
The former unified heavyweight champion of the world lost his WBA, WBO and IBF titles to former undisputed cruiserweight champion Oleksandr Usyk 19-0 (13) by unanimous decision in Tottenham, England in September.
He is widely expected to face the 34-year-old Ukrainian southpaw in an immediate rematch in the first half of 2022 although no date or venue has yet been announced.
Joshua tried to box with Usyk when conventional wisdom suggested he should have attempted to impose his superior size and strength on the natural smaller man. In the end, Usyk won their first bout by scores of 117-112, 115-113 and 116-112.
Joshua has long trained under coach Rob McCracken but in the wake of his recent loss, he has been travelling the globe and training at different gyms with a view to adding a new coach to his training staff.
His promoter Eddie Hearn admitted Joshua is looking to make changes to his camp to increase his chances of defeating the talented Usyk in the rematch, saying it’s a positive move on the former heavyweight champion’s part.
“He’s been working hard. Obviously, his trip to America and subsequently training in the UK with various people… trainers flying in. I think AJ will make an announcement [regarding his trainer] when camp starts, which I guess will be end of January, early February. But he’s worked hard to get it right,” the Matchroom Boxing boss told iFL TV.
“A lot of people have said, ‘do you think it’s risky to bring in a new trainer?’ I flip that and say, ‘do you think it’s risky to not be comfortable with your setup or your surroundings?’ He’s put the work in to make sure he gets it right. I guess there’ll be an announcement regarding his training team when camp gets underway.”
Hearn added that McCracken won’t be booted from the team, suggesting there will still be a role for him in the Joshua camp although it might be in a different capacity.
“He’ll always be involved in some way,” Hearn said. “He’s more than just a trainer to Anthony Joshua… he’s a mentor, an advisor. Those two will always talk – in what capacity, I don’t know. I’ll leave that to AJ to announce. But there will certainly be additions to the training team.”
Joshua was expected to face WBC heavyweight champion and countryman Tyson ‘The Gypsy King’ Fury 31-0-1 (22) last year before an independent arbiter ruled Fury was contractually obliged to face Deontay Wilder 42-2-1 (41) for a third time.
This left Joshua will little option but to face mandatory challenger Usyk, a fight that many saw as a potential banner peel for Joshua.
Fight fans still want to see a Fury-Joshua clash, but if the former champion comes up short against Usyk that fight may never take place.
