Anthony Joshua to appoint Robert Garcia as trainer ahead of Usyk rematch
- Joe Hewlett
- 31 May 2022
Joshua is currently training ahead of his chance to avenge September's defeat to Oleksandr Usyk.
Anthony Joshua will work with coach Robert Garcia for his rematch against Oleksandr Usyk according to reports.
The two-time heavyweight champion parted ways with Rob McCracken after his defeat to Usyk last year but was expected to upgrade Angel Fernandez as head coach.
AJ is currently preparing in Loughborough and found himself in hot water for confronting students on a University campus.
Joshua had visited Eddy Reynoso, Ronnie Shields and Garcia since suffering the second defeat of his career.
Garcia won Ring Magazine Trainer of the Year in 2011 and is known for his work with four-division world champion and younger brother Mikey Garcia as well as Nonito Donaire.
Joshua is set to face Usyk on July 23 with Saudi Arabia in pole position to host the heavyweight event.
Johnny Nelson believes Joshua and McCracken remain on good terms despite the split.
"I'm assuming Rob and AJ are good friends and AJ's done what's best for him. I'm quite sure he's gone with Rob's blessing," Nelson told Planet Sport.
"I suppose we, the media, make more of a deal out of that parting than it actually is. And so, if it works for AJ, then he's doing what's best for him."
According to the Sky Sports analyst, it is not an 'impossible' task for Joshua to dethrone Usyk and win back the WBA, IBF and WBO titles.
"I think it's a hard fight, I think it's a harder rematch for AJ than the Ruiz rematch was. It's not an impossible task or ask, I think AJ has all the beatings of Usyk," Nelson said.
"I've seen Usyk from the early days, seven fights in as a pro and I said this young man is the heir apparent.
"The problem is, once everyone knows who you are and what you can do then they can plot a plan for you. And now with AJ, he just has to change tactics, change style, change intentions on what he wants to do and how he's gonna approach the fight.
"So, I don't know what tactics he'll choose, but what I'm saying is that it's not an impossible task for AJ, but it's a tough one."
