Joshua’s new coach claims he has ‘more talent’ than Tyson Fury as new date for Usyk rematch set to be announced

Anthony Joshua’s new coach reckons he's the most "talented" and hardest-hitting heavyweight on the planet.

Robert Garcia has been brought in to help AJ prepare for his high-stakes summer rematch with Oleksandr Usyk following the axing of longtime trainer Robert McCraken.

Watford warrior Joshua first caught Garcia's eye seven years ago when he battered Kevin Johnson and his progression over the years has left a lasting impression on the American.

He told Little Giant Boxing: "Still now, a year ago, two years ago, if you asked me, 'Who is the most talented heavyweight?' I've always said Anthony Joshua.

"Talent-wise, [Tyson] Fury is a different beast, a different monster.

"Usyk is very technical and difficult because he's smaller and fast."

Garcia had two secret training stints with AJ in the UK before his appointment was officially confirmed and has been blown away by the Brit's bruising power.

He continued: "[Deontay] Wilder, tremendous power. Everybody has their own unique qualities.

"But overall, if you're talking about talent, I pick Anthony Joshua. And another thing Anthony Joshua has is insane power.

"Oh my gosh, he's got great power. More than anybody else I think.

"Wilder, I've never felt his power, but what I've seen of him [knocking] fools out, Wilder is one of those guys too that has that one-punch knockout power.

"But Anthony Joshua has it. He's very, very strong."

Garcia has coached 14 champions since hanging up his gloves in 2001 but has yet to guide a heavyweight to a world title.

And he's relishing the challenge of handing slick southpaw Usyk his first professional loss.

He said: "It's a big challenge for me because this is my first time taking a heavyweight to fight for a world title. So it's kind of like a dream come true.

"I've had champions in almost every weight division from 105 to 108, to 112 to 115, 118, 122, 126 and 135lbs.

"I think I'm just missing cruiserweight, light-heavyweight and super-middleweight. Those are the three I'm missing plus heavyweight.

"But having a heavyweight champion is the top of the line. I'm excited."

Meanwhile Joshua’s high-stakes rematch with Oleksandr Usyk is "on the brink" of being announced.

AJ's Saudi showdown with the undefeated Ukrainian was initially slated for July 23 but has been delayed until August due to broadcasting rights issues.

Promoter Eddie Hearn has been working hard to iron out the fine details of the deal - as well as a whistle-stop world tour - and expects to announce the desert dust-up in the coming days.

The Matchroom Boxing chief told talkSPORT: “We’re right on the brink now of signing all the paperwork. It [July 23] is only seven weeks away. It is a big job.

“They want to do multi-city, international press tours. There’s TV rights to discuss, there’s sponsorship to discuss.

“It is likely you will see a two or three-week delay for that fight to land in August. The fight will happen.

"I’m very confident you will get an official announcement next week. It has been a long task, as it always is to sign these big fights.”

Joshua, 32, lost his grip on the WBA, IBF and IBO heavyweight titles in his first meeting with the undefeated Usyk last September, who boxed his way to a lopsided points victory in their Tottenham tussle.

The Watford warrior has enlisted the services of world champion coach Robert Garcia for the summer showdown.

And Hearn believes the addition of Garcia will lead to Joshua brutally exacting revenge on the slick southpaw.

Hearn said: “I believe Joshua wins this fight via knockout inside six rounds. It’s a big call.

“But the frame of mind that he’s in, he’s brought Robert Garcia into camp as his new trainer, he looks tremendous.

“The problem with fighting Usyk is everything you hear around it… ‘Oh, I hear he does this, I wonder what it’s like to be in the ring with him’.

“When you’ve done rounds with him, it’s still very difficult, but I think AJ’s experience will help him.

“He will be an underdog going into the fight, great. I think he can do it. I hope everyone’s behind him.

“Hopefully he’ll become three-time world champion and finally set up that massive undisputed fight with Tyson Fury.”

A venue for Usyk vs Joshua 2 hasn't been officially announced, although it's understood that the Super Dome in Jeddah is the frontrunner to land the fight.