ANTHONY JOSHUA may be without his long-time trainer Rob McCracken for his undisputed title fight against Tyson Fury later this year.
The Team GB coach guided the 31-year-old to the Olympic gold medal at London 2012, before AJ became a two-time world champion under his tutelage.
Speaking last year, Joshua compared his beloved mentor to Manchester United’s legendary manager Sir Alex Ferguson.
He told Sky Sports: “Rob is a gaffer – I look at him like Sir Alex Ferguson. Great manager, great trainer, great experience.”
Before adding: “Me and Rob conquered the international stage as amateurs. Then I turned pro and me and Rob conquered the world.”
But in a blow for the WBA, WBO and IBF heavyweight champ, the 52-year-old may not be beside him for his bout against Fury in the summer.
A July 24 date is what both parties are aiming for, but the fight could creep into August, with Saudi Arabia an option to host the event.
That clashes directly with the delayed 2020 Olympics in Tokyo where McCracken is scheduled to lead Team GB.
And Matchroom promoter Eddie Hearn has commented on McCracken being potentially double booked.
He said: “There are too many people and things to fit around already with the fighters, trainers, countries, time zones, the Olympics.
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“There is all this stuff so whatever date we are given by the site is the date that we will go with.
“I know AJ and Rob have been talking accordingly so I am sure they will work it out.
“The guys know it will be around the Olympics, it could be inappropriate but it is the biggest fight in boxing and the biggest moment in AJ’s career so we have to work it out.
“I know Rob takes his Team GB position very seriously, he loves the job and the kids so it’s not ideal but we can’t move it a couple of weeks either side.
“Someone is spending a lot of money so we have to go whenever they say.”
Source: Boxing - thesun.co.uk
