Anthony Joshua’s former trainer Robert Garcia has made a tentative prediction for a possibly trilogy clash between ‘AJ’ and current unified heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk.
Joshua lost his WBA, WBO and IBF titles to Usyk in 2021, ending his second reign as champion after just one title defence. In an attempt to win the belts back, the Brit enforced his rematch clause and ditched long-time trainer Rob McCracken in favour of a switch to Garcia.
Unfortunately for both, and despite an improved performance, Joshua was unable to regain the heavyweight throne and lost a split-decision in Saudi Arabia.
However, Joshua may get the chance to avenge those defeats again, as he is positioned well with the IBF and could be called as a mandatory challenger later in the year against Filip Hrgovic.
In an interview with Boxing Social, Garcia claimed that Joshua is capable of defeating his foe, after an impressive performance against Otto Wallin last time out.
“He is the second most-talented fighter in the [heavyweight] division, so much potential, so big, so strong, but he needed that confidence and I think that last fight [against Otto Wallin] showed him that he belongs up there.
“Even though he has lost to Usyk, he has got to think that he is the best, the way he fought, I wouldn’t be surprised if he beat Usyk in a third fight because he fought good.”
Garcia went on to say that he believes Joshua’s recent activity is a key reason to why ‘AJ’ looked impressive last time out.
“I think that activity was the main thing, I’m glad they did [increase] it. That was the one thing that Rudy Hernandez and myself told him, after the fight against Usyk in the locker room, I told everybody to keep him active, fight him [Joshua] again right away and they did. Three times [he fought] this year, that was the best thing that they could have done for him.”
Before any possible trilogy bout, Usyk will face Tyson Fury on February 17, whilst Joshua takes on former UFC champion Francis Ngannou on March 8.