Via Barry Holbrook: Eddie Hearn says Anthony Joshua is going through a significant change in his training environment since hiring American trainer Derrick James as his newcomer in his corner.
Instead of Joshua (24-3, 22 KOs) being the boss, telling his coach what to do, as he has done in the past, he is now “speak” James what to do, Hearn said.
It’s a big change from the way things have been for the pampered 2012 Olympic gold medalist during his nine-year professional career, and Hearn, like everyone else. , can’t wait to meet the ‘new’ Joshua when he takes on American Jermaine Franklin on April 1 at the O2 Arena in London.
Unfortunately, things about Joshua are impossible for Derrick James or any of the coaches to change. For example, by Joshua punch resistance will always be weak, and that’s not something Derrick can improve on, no matter how hard he tries. Similarly, Joshua’s poor heart rate will continue to be an issue.
The best way for James to deal with Joshua’s terrible fitness is for him to fight hard from the opening bell, finding a way to score quick knocks the way he did earlier in his career. when he lunges at opponents instantly, knocking them down. defeated with powerful blows.
“I saw a guy who worked really hard. He was very tired yesterday after a long camping out there,” Eddie Hearn said KO Sports Artist when asked if he has seen any changes in Anthony Joshua as he is currently coaching by Derrick James in Texas.
“It is difficult for me to explain to you the difference in the camps that I have seen. On one side, Mr [Joshua] was at the Institute of Sport in England with lots of people and ten rings, Olympic set-ups and scientists.
“Then I went to Derrick James’s gym, which is super humble, and all you need, and that’s it. I think what made AJ realize. Errol Spence was here yesterday, and he was here the day before and I think 11 rounds. He didn’t even have a fight. It’s just hard work.
“I felt it was a problem coming home to the UK in that context, he’s almost like God,“Hearn talked about Joshua. “He didn’t want it to be that way, but he would come in, and he would be in a situation where people would say, ‘What do you want to do, AJ?’
“Now, he can only say. He’s been training really hard and is ready to fight on April 1,” Hearn said of Joshua.
