Anthony Joshua is keen to meet the ‘high standards’ of his new coach, Derrick James, when he returns to the ring on April 1.
After 25 bouts, Joshua unified three of the world’s four heavyweight belts, and won them back in a rematch with Andy Ruiz Jr to become a two-time champion. He did all this with the UK coach, Rob McCracken, by his side.
His first loss to Oleksandr Usyk prompted him to change coaches, and he went to Robert Garcia, a California coach who has coached the likes of Marcos Maidana, Nonito Donaire, Mikey Garcia and Bam Rodriguez.
However, the partnership only lasted until their second loss to Usyk, with ‘AJ’ quickly touring the Bangs after that. This time, he found Derrick James, former coach of the year and now world champion Errol Spence Jr, and Jermell Charlo.
The couple will face their first test in Jermaine Franklin, and Joshua tells DAZN His main priority is to impress James.
“I am looking forward to returning to the ring on April 1 at The O2 London. Mentally and physically I feel ready.
“I want to show off and impress my coach because he has high standards. Franklin has good style and a great attitude, which he has shown in recent matches.
This will be my first fight to be broadcast on DAZN in the UK and will be available globally on the platform. I want to thank DAZN for supporting both me and the sport of boxing in general. I also want to thank the team at 258 and Matchroom Boxing.”
However, the man in the other corner will do his best to prevent that from happening.
Franklin is best known to UK fans following a decisive loss to Dillian Whyte in November 2022. His performance was better than many expected and as a result he returned to the UK. for another big game.
“I’m ready to show the world why it’s time for me to claim the top spot in Heavyweight. Joshua had his time. It’s time for me to shock the world! This fight will not go to the judge’s card. I’ll hit number 22 on April 1. It’s not an April Fool’s joke.”
