ANTHONY JOSHUA’s recent trip to the United States wasn’t about ‘identifying a new trainer’.
AJ sparked intense speculation he could ditch long-time coach Rob McCracken after being spotted at several gyms during his stateside stay following defeat to Oleksandr Usyk.
But promoter Eddie Hearn insists the former unified heavyweight champion’s trip to America was about ‘learning’ in a different environment.
The Matchroom Boxing chief told DAZN: “The trip wasn’t about identifying a new trainer, it was about learning and new environments.
“I believe that he needs to change his environment.”
Hearn believes the Watford warrior would benefit immensely from a change of scenery.
He continued: “I believe that’s a good move for him.
“He’s been in Sheffield since he’s been 18, that’s 14 years, and it’s an amazing camp.
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“But he’s God there, and in the UK. What he liked about coming over here, he could go to breakfast, he could get to the gym, and he wasn’t being mobbed all day, every day.”
Axing mentor and good friend McCracken for next year’s rematch with Usyk is something Hearn believes Joshua, 32, will find hard to do.
He told BetFred: “Robert McCracken is more than just a trainer to AJ. He’s a friend. He’s a mentor. He’s an advisor.”
Joshua will bid to reclaim the unified heavyweight titles from the undefeated Usyk in the spring.
And although a date for their rematch has not yet been finalised, Hearn has already seen a change in mentality from the fallen champ.
He said: “I say we have to go rough and rugged but he’s got to have that challenger mentality in this fight and he’s got it.
“Everything I hear from him tells me that he wants to win badly and bash Usyk up, which I didn’t hear any of going into the first fight.
“He’s angry, which is good.
“No decision has been made yet but I do think a change of scenery would be good for him in terms of where his training camp’s based.”
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Source: Boxing - thesun.co.uk
