As per Mike Coppinger of ESPN, former heavyweight champion, Anthony Joshua has finally decided on who his trainer will be for his upcoming rematch with Oleksandr Usyk. After much debate since their first fight, Joshua has decided to go with renowned trainer, Robert Garcia. The rematch is scheduled to take place on July 23rd in Saudi Arabia, although nothing is official yet.
🚨 New AJ trainer!
🤝 Anthony Joshua will train with Robert Garcia for the Oleksandr Usyk rematch
🥊 The pair will work together in England before the fight on July 23rd in Saudi Arabia
📈 Joshua had trained with Rob McCracken his whole pro career prior#UsykJoshua2 pic.twitter.com/YKD8Twt61a
— BOXRAW (@BOXRAW) May 30, 2022
Joshua to Team up with Garcia after McCracken Spilt
Since his devastating loss to Usyk back in September of last year, it has been no hidden secret that Anthony Joshua has been looking for a new trainer. His now-former trainer, Robert McCracken has worked with Joshua since his professional debut and gone through all of the ups and downs of the megastar’s career alongside him. From that night at Wembley in 2017 when he defeated Wladimir Klitschko in one of the best fights in history, to his strange performance in New York against Andy Ruiz, the rematch and redemption as well as his first fight against Usyk.
In the first fight, many criticised Joshua’s approach, attempting to out-box Usyk, rather than using his superior size and power to get the upper hand. Whether it was his approach to the fight or just wanting to change things up, we now know Joshua will be trained by Robert Garcia.
Robert Garcia will train Anthony Joshua in England for the heavyweight title rematch vs. Oleksandr Usyk on July 23 in Saudi Arabia, sources tell ESPN. Garcia, an ex champ and trainer of the year, is revered for his game plans. AJ was trained by Rob McCracken since his pro debut
— Mike Coppinger (@MikeCoppinger) May 30, 2022
Garcia himself had a 34-3 record as a professional before retiring and transitioning into being a trainer. Garcia is the older brother of Mickey Garcia, the four-weight world champion. Along with his little brother, Garcia has trained Nonito Donaire, the current WBC champion, Marcos Maidana, Brandon Rios, Jose Rameriez and many more.
It is understood that Garcia will come to England to train with Joshua, uprooting from his usual gym in Oxnard, California.
Tyson Comparisons
Of course, no one can talk about the heavyweight division without bringing in Tyson Fury‘s name. The lineal heavyweight champion had trained with his new trainer, Ben Davidson for his comeback fights as well as his first fight with Deontay Wilder. Following that first fight, Fury split from Davidson and linked up with SugarHill Steward of the Kronk Gym. We’ve seen a clear difference in Fury’s game, being seen fighting far more on the front foot, looking for power shots rather than his classic countering style.
Will it work for Joshua? Only time will tell and we’ll find out on July 23rd!
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