Football
  • Home
  • News
  • Anthony Joshua Opens Up On Rumours Of Replacing Rob McCracken

Anthony Joshua opens up on rumours of replacing Rob McCracken

Joshua next fight

Joshua will return to the ring against Usyk next year bidding to become a three-time heavyweight world champion.

Anthony Joshua has spoken for the first time since being seen in America and insisted he is still with long-term trainer Rob McCracken.
The former two-time unified heavyweight champion was spotted training in various gyms with different trainers, adding to speculation that he will appoint a new head coach.

Joshua slumped to a unanimous decision defeat to Oleksandr Usyk in September, surrendering the WBA, IBF and WBO heavyweight titles.

Despite needing a chance to avenge the second defeat of his career, AJ revealed he has not split from McCracken - the same coach who guided him to Olympic and world glory in the amateurs and professional ranks - but is open to expanding his team.

Asked if McCracken could remain his trainer, Joshua told IFLTV: "Yeah, and he has to speak to the people I may want to work with and see if he can work with them.

"I had the same conversation with Rob, 'I want to work with you, but I also want to work with this guy for six months'.
"Rob might tell me, 'You know what champ, this ain't working for me. For the next six months, you do your thing and come and see me after.'
"It's mature conversations. My life, my health is on the line."
Joshua has been seen on the pads with Virgil Hunter, spent time with Eddy Reynoso and Ronnie Shields.

Hunter currently trains Joshua Buatsi, who is signed to Joshua's 258 Management company and has previously worked with Amir Khan and two-division king Andre Ward.

Reynoso, alongside Roberto Garcia, work with Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez, Ryan Garcia, Oscar Valdez and Andy Ruiz Jr.

Shields meanwhile is known for being in the corner of Mike Tyson, Evander Holyfield and more recently Jermell and Jermall Charlo.

"I need to go and get some new teachings from guys that have trained - Robert Garcia trained 13, 14 world champions," said Joshua.
"They've got so many generations of teachings. Virgil Hunter trained Andre Ward, a phenomenal fighter.
"I wanted to go around and be in an environment of fighters. Eddy Reynoso, 'No boxing, no life.' I love that saying. Canelo is obviously a phenomenal fighter.
"I watched him spar 12 rounds, asked certain questions. Ronnie Shields, another African American coach who has worked with the greats."Joshua is adamant he will continue his training camp in the UK though.
"Listen, I don't need anyone that's going to make me," said Joshua.
"I got myself to the championship. This is my 12th championship fight. I just need to keep on learning."

Read more: Terence Crawford's five-fight form guide ahead of Shawn Porter fight

    More Articles