The speculation regarding Anthony Joshua’s training situation looks finally set to come to an end, with promoter Eddie Hearn confirming today Joshua has appointed a new head coach.
Hearn remained tight lipped on the identity of the trainer but he did reveal ‘AJ’ would be relocating to the USA for camp.
Appearing on the DAZN Boxing Show, Hearn said:
“I know who the new trainer is, but it’s quite a personal thing and I’d like ‘AJ’ to come out and announce that with his team.
I talk a lot because I do a lot of interviews. But I’ll speak on his fights and stuff like that.
He is going to train in America and he’ll start that camp in the next week. So you’ll get the news soon and I think it’s a great link up.
But something like that is for him to confirm.”
Although no official confirmation has been announced, reports are starting to circulate online that Joshua’s mystery new trainer will be Ring 2017 trainer of the year Derrick James, who currently works with the likes of Errol Spence and Jermell Charlo.
Joshua had been linked to a host of American coaches, including Roy Jones Jr and Virgil Hunter, but appears to have decided James’ Dallas gym is the best place to guide him towards becoming three time heavyweight champion of the world.
Hearn confirmed that an April return date is being targeted for ‘AJ,’ however there is no further news as to who his comeback opponent will be.
“April 1st is the targeted date in London, we have a call to go through the final list of opponents. We’re almost ready and he’s excited.”
22-0 heavyweight Dempsey McKean was a surprising addition to the mix this week, after reports broke that the Australian was the new front runner to land a big money fight with Joshua.
It had been previously speculated that the former unified world champion would take on one of Otto Wallin, Zhilei Zhang or Jermaine Franklin.