With Anthony Joshua’s trainer situation seemingly up in the air again, another world-renowned coach has their say on the possibility of training the two-time world heavyweight champion.
In an interview with SecondsOut in the week, Shane McGuigan was asked if he’d train ‘AJ’ if the opportunity arose, and went on to say what he would work on with the former champion.
“It’s Anthony Joshua, of course I would fancy it. Athletic guy. He’s got things to learn. He needs to get belief back in himself … Couple of good victories and then roll the dice again.”
It’s rumoured that Joshua is now looking for a new trainer after drafting in Robert Garcia for his rematch against Oleksandr Usyk in Saudi Arabia in August. Recent conversations with Roy Jones Jr, who currently trains Chris Eubank Jr, have peaked fan interest.
Joshua is looking to return to the ring in the first quarter of 2023 and get back to winning ways after three losses in five fights have led to him falling out of the world title picture.
McGuigan was also asked about the possible difficulties it may bring to his stable which already consists of heavyweight regular world title holder, Daniel Dubois.
“That would be hard, of course it would … It’s one of those ones that you’re always going to have to manage but I’m happy working with Daniel it’s just obviously I believe I could do a lot of good work with AJ.”
Dubois is now on the fringes of a proper title shot after a string three straight knockout victories since his only career loss to date to Joe Joyce in November 2020.
‘Dynamite’ won the WBA regular world championship last time out against Trevor Bryan in Miami in June. McGuigan also trains other British stars of the sport, such as world cruiserweight champion Laurence Okolie, Chris Billam-Smith and Ellie Scotney.
As for a potential relationship with Joshua, it seems more for talking sake than anything else, but stranger things have happened in the sport of boxing.