Anthony Joshua’s former trainer, Robert Garcia, believes some in the sport may be overlooking his power in a potential match-up with Deontay Wilder.
Garcia helmed Joshua’s corner for just one fight – a rematch loss to Oleksandr Usyk – and the pair split not long after.
Now with a win under his belt against Jermaine Franklin and a rematch with Dillian Whyte coming up, Joshua is seemingly one fight away from making the heavyweight banger against Wilder that has been atop fans’ lists for some time.
As with every Wilder fight, the narrative has focused on his incredible punch power. He has 42 knockouts from 43 wins, and the ultimate highlight reel when it comes to stoppages.
Speaking to Boxing Social, Garcia said that people may be overlooking his former charge’s own capability to end contests early, and believes the Brit is just as likely to get a knockout as the American is.
“It’s a huge fight … I never felt Wilder’s power, but I’m pretty sure he hits hard, but so does Anthony. People might think that Wilder has insane power where he’s gonna be much stronger or hits harder than Anthony. I don’t know.
I’ve never felt Wilder’s power but I have felt Anthony. Anthony has great power. Unbelievable power. I think it’s one of those fights where whoever lands first, whoever wants it more, is gonna be the winner.
It’s a fight that I would love to see even though I’m not working with Anthony.”
Garcia praised ‘AJ’s decision to link up with Texan trainer, Derrick James, believing him to be the coach of the moment and a man well-prepared to get the best out of the former unified champion.
First up, Joshua faces Whyte in a domestic grudge match with plenty of previous bad blood. Should he come through unscathed, it’s understood that the Wilder fight is all but signed.