Robert Garcia, who joined Anthony Joshua’s team as trainer before the Oleksandr Usyk rematch, has discussed the route he believes his fighter should take following the loss.
Speaking to ES News in an interview where he also clarified some recent reported comments, Garcia was asked about a rumoured clash with Wilder. AJ and ‘The Bronze Bomber’ have long been on a collision course, but detours and bumps in the road have always prevented the fight from taking place.
Garcia, who has trained multiple world champions, believes it would be a good match up.
“I think it’s a really good fight. I think Wilder is dangerous – he’s got that one f****ng power that’s hard to stay away from, and if he lands it’s going to be hard. But Anthony [Joshua] has great footwork, great movement, great jab, straight one-twos, and he also hits very hard. He hits very, very hard. So it’s a very good fight.”
However, following on from that, AJ’s new trainer mapped out where he thinks the fighter should go before looking for a big fight with the likes of KO artist Wilder.
“I think the smart thing to do with Anthony is take a couple fights that are gonna’ be comfortable, that are gonna’ be good for you, get your confidence, [and] your belief in yourself. Then go after another big one.”
“Our first fight together against Usyk? F**k, that’s tough, right? I think Anthony’s got a lot left, but pick the right fights. Don’t go after the tough match right now. Not saying he can’t beat them, but he’s got the right. He went two straight, very tough fights. So get a couple comfortable wins. Everybody does it.”
The pair’s boxer/trainer relationship did indeed face the ultimate test in its infancy in the form of a phenomenal Ukrainian fighter. AJ came up short despite having some success.
It remains to be seen if Garcia will be occupying the corner the next time we see AJ in the ring, although he has expressed his interest in doing so and told Joshua what should happen for it to be a successful partnership.