EDDIE Hearn has revealed Anthony Joshua had a ‘lack of confidence’ before his fight against Oleksandr Usyk in September.
The 32-year-old former heavyweight champion asked his head of security for advice on his gameplan for the bout before being outboxed over 12 rounds by the Ukrainian.
And AJ’s promoter Hearn has now revealed what the Watford-born fighter said to head of security and former heavyweight Clifton Mitchell before the clash.
The promoter believes Joshua had too many voices in his ear before facing Usyk.
He told True Geordie’s Pain Game podcast: “There was too much information and too many points of view.
“When he gets in the ring Clifton Mitchell his head of security is there and he is of course a former heavyweight champion.
“And he goes in to the ring and starts talking to him about the fight, ‘oh what do you think Clifton?’ and that is a sign that there is a lack of confidence in the gameplan and what you have to do.
“If you know categorically what you have to do and if you don’t do it you will be f****** told during that one minute break between rounds, you don’t go searching for the answers.
“The problem is with AJ is that he is smart, but he needs to know that he has the strategy right and is prepared with repetition.”
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AJ came under fire for trying to match the crafty Ukrainian for boxing skills when they faced off at Tottenham Hotspur stadium.
So he recently jetted out to America to trial new coaches to work with him alongside current trainer McCracken.
That would seemingly further increase the tactical points of view within his camp.
But the Brit has confirmed he knows TWO ways in which he can win the rematch against Usyk.
Joshua has invoked his rematch clause with former cruiserweight Usyk and is expected to battle the newly-crowned champ again around March.
And he could even have Tyson Fury help train him after The Gypsy King offered his services for the rematch.
Joshua seemingly accepted Fury’s help and even wants to spar with the fellow Brit before his second bout against Usyk.
Source: Boxing - thesun.co.uk
