ANTHONY JOSHUA is no longer being treated “like God” after training in an “extremely humble” gym in Texas ahead of his return.
AJ faces Jermaine Franklin in his comeback bout at the O2 Arena on April 1 following consecutive losses to Oleksandr Usyk.
Joshua, 33, parted ways with his coaches after defeat to Usyk in their August rematch and linked up with trainer Derrick James.
And for the first time in his career, the two-time heavyweight champion completed his training camp away from home.
Joshua set up shop in Dallas under the guidance of James, who also coaches pound-for-pound stars Errol Spence Jr, 33, and Jermell Charlo, 32.
AJ always denied ever receiving special treatment when working away alongside Olympic hopefuls in Team GB’s Sheffield base.
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But after training away for the first time ever as a pro, promoter Eddie Hearn claimed AJ has reaped the rewards of getting out of his comfort zone.
Hearn told K.O. Artist Sports: “I see a guy that has worked really hard.
“He was very tired yesterday after a long camp out there. It’s hard for me to explain to you the difference in the camps that I saw.
“On the one side, he was at the Institute of Sport in England with lots of people and 10 rings and the Olympic setup and scientists.
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“I went to Derrick James’ gym which is extremely humble and all you need, that’s the thing. I think that’s what made AJ realise.
“Errol Spence was in here yesterday and sparred, I think, 11 rounds. He doesn’t even have a fight. It’s just hard work.
“I feel like the problem with back home in England in that set-up was he was almost like God.
“He didn’t want it to be that way, but he would walk in, and he’d be in a situation where everyone would say, ‘What do you want to do, AJ?’
“Now, he’s just being told. He’s worked really hard, and he’s ready to fight on April 1st.”
Source: Boxing - thesun.co.uk
