Anthony Joshua’s new trainer Derrick James has revealed the former heavyweight champion of the world has struck up a good relationship one of James’ most prized fighters, unified world welterweight champion Errol Spence Jr.
Joshua relocated to Dallas, Texas to train in James’ gym, which also boasts the likes of undisputed light middleweight champion Jermell Charlo and rising lightweight star Frank Martin.
However, James explained on the DAZN Boxing Show that Joshua has hit off in particular with Spence, and that the pair have already began to share pointers with each other.
“They’re good, they talk. Errol will ask him a couple of questions here and then, and when Errol is hitting the bag and working ‘AJ’ is watching.”
“It’s like a mutual respect. That’s what most guys need to help them get to the next level and get that thing back that they had before.”
“It acts as a motivator, they both work off each other.”
Fans will hope that Spence’s advice, coupled of course with James’ tutelage, can eliminate the tentativeness that is perceived to have crept into ‘AJ’s game in recent years and bring out the aggression that brought him so much success in his earlier career.
Joshua’s comeback fight on April 1st will be the first test of the new link up, when he will take on Jermaine Franklin at the 02 Arena.
Franklin gave a solid account of himself in defeat to Dillian Whyte last November, though most observers still heavily favour Joshua to get past the American.
Though expected to win, the contest is still seen as make or break for Joshua. Now 33, defeat would surely put paid to any aspirations he has of becoming three time heavyweight champion of the world.