Anthony Joshua will be reportedly trained by the highly respected Robert Garcia for his next fight.
The former two-time heavyweight champion will look to reclaim his three belts (WBA, IBF, WBO) against Oleksandr Usyk with the combatants set to face one another for a second time on July 23 in Saudi Arabia.
ESPN’s Mike Coppinger provided the news this evening and the move by Joshua looks a good one on paper.
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, a former IBF super featherweight champion, has made a name for himself as a trainer in America since hanging up the gloves in 2001. The 47-year-old’s career in the corner has blossomed and seen him train the likes of Nonito Donaire, Mikey Garcia, Joan Guzman, Marcos Maidana, Brandon Rios and more. Given the style of fighter he has worked with it seems clear that Joshua will opt for a more aggressive approach in his rematch with the Ukrainian.
Nine months ago, with long-time coach Robert McCracken and a plethora of other voices next to him, ‘AJ’ tried to box the boxer and was found wanting. Usyk, one of the modern era’s finest technicians, ran out a comfortable winner on points and almost stopped the Brit in the final round.
With Garcia at the helm the Joshua of old that used to dominate opponents with size, strength and power will look to unsettle, out-muscle and ultimately stop the champion.