One of Anthony Joshua’s former coaches is hoping that the man they lost to, Oleksandr Usyk, will ‘put a beating’ on Tyson Fury when the heavyweights meet on February 17 out in Saudi Arabia.
Robert Garcia was in Joshua’s corner for just one fight, and that was the rematch against Usyk in 2022. It came after Joshua fell to a points loss across 12 rounds in the first meeting and surrendered his IBF, WBO and WBC belts in the process.
He left long-time coach Rob McCracken and hooked up with Garcia but the rematch went the exact same way, despite perhaps a better effort and closer final outcome.
AJ has since worked with Derrick James for two fights – Jermaine Franklin and Robert Helenius – and then Ben Davison for his recent win over Otto Wallin.
Speaking to Boxing Social, Garcia was asked how he would like to see the upcoming undisputed heavyweight contest play out.
“I would like Usyk to put a beating on him, just ’cause of his last performance. I think he disrespected boxing, Fury was totally out of shape – people think he lost, I think he won, but he should have destroyed Ngannou.”
He went on to claim that Fury didn’t take his fight with Francis Ngannou – a split decision win for the Brit despite suffering a knockdown – seriously and came down hard in favour of Usyk.
“I think Fury took it so lightly he didn’t even train and he disrespected boxing so I would love Usyk to slap him around. But if Fury’s in shape it’s a difficult fight.
“He uses his weight, his tricks, he pushes, he does so many things that make him so effective that if he’s in great shape, I pick him to beat Usyk but I would like to see the opposite.”