Britain’s heavyweight star travelled to America to train in
a series of gyms after losing his WBA, WBO, IBF and IBO titles to the wily
Ukrainian southpaw last month at the Tottenham Hotspur stadium, with the Briton
comprehensively outclassed over 12 rounds.
AJ has activated his rematch clause and is expected to face
Usyk again in March next year, with pundits and fans doubtful that the
32-year-old can refine his style in such a short space of time to avenge his
defeat in north London.
Joshua, says he has expanded his coaching team but has not
parted company with McCracken who guided him to two world title triumphs.
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 said he spent time with some of the most respected
trainers in the States as he plans to avenge his second professional defeat in
next year’s rematch with Usyk.
“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.”
But the 32-year-old will continue to base his training camp
in Britain, ruling out a permanent switch to America.
“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.”
Fury, 33, offered to help train Joshua for his rematch with
Usyk ahead of his third fight with Deontay Wilder earlier this month, insisting
that alongside trainer SugarHill Steward they can formulate a gameplan to
defeat the Ukrainian.
And Joshua has welcomed Fury's offer, saying that he would
be happy to spar the Gypsy King having long been linked with a mega-fight with
his British rival.
'He's more than welcome to come through the door,' Joshua
told iFL TV. 'He can even spar with me.
'That'd be the easiest way to get him in the ring… He's more
than welcome to step into the gym and give me some tips.'
Joshua opted to come in lighter for his fight with Usyk last
month, with the Briton confident he could go toe-to-toe with the former
cruiserweight champion in a tactical battle.
That strategy has been widely criticised in the wake of his defeat, while long-term coach Rob McCracken has also faced scrutiny for his inability to turn the tide in AJ’s favour when the fight was slipping away from him.
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