ANTHONY JOSHUA has been backed to return to his former self after linking up with trainer Ben Davison.
The two-time heavyweight champion returns on December 23 in Saudi Arabia against Otto Wallin.
And he will do so under the guidance of Davison – who formerly worked with Tyson Fury – for the first time.
Former WBA featherweight champ Leigh Wood has been in the gym with AJ and he warned to expect a vintage Joshua.
Wood, 35, told Boxing News: “He’s on the right path, and I can’t wait for his fight in December.
“I think you will see AJ be more clear and decisive with what he’s doing in there, because I feel like he’ll know what he needs to do – whereas in previous fights, he’s a bit apprehensive.
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“[It’s like he’s] thinking, ‘It don’t feel right,’ or half-guessing and not confident in what he’s doing but just doing it anyway.
“I know for this fight he will be clear and decisive, knowing what he needs to do and going out and doing it.
“A lot of people will say, ‘AJ’s looking more like his old self,’ and that will be because of these things he’s doing.
“Without a shadow of a doubt, it’s an AJ knockout [against Wallin].”
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Joshua has been cornered by American Derrick James for his last two fights, a points win to Jermaine Franklin, 30, and KO over Robert Helenius, 39.
But James has been in his Texas base with Ryan Garcia, 25, who faces Oscar Duarte, 27, tonight.
Joshua, 34, has stationed himself in the UK for his fight with Wallin, 32, which led to his decision to go with Davison.
And Wood – who became won the world title under Davison – has seen AJ’s improvements first hand.
He said: “The approach he’s got with Ben, he’s like a sponge – he’s absorbing all the information.
“A lot of people look at it and think, ‘He’s training with Ben, is he mad?’ But like I’ve said, Ben [is] way ahead.
“I’ve said this many times, and people can quote me, because I know in 10 years’ time they’ll be like: ‘Leigh Wood told us.’
“I didn’t have to tell you. Look at my fights I’ve had; I’ve been underdog time and time again, [but] I’m getting these results.
“Is it because I’m superhuman, or is it because I’ve got a mint team? Do the maths.
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“I can see a lot of similarities between AJ and myself in the way he’s learning. He’s always asking questions and wants to know how it works.
“Sometimes you’re trying to learn something and it doesn’t click straight away, then it’s a good feeling when you get it.”
Source: Boxing - thesun.co.uk
