By Gabriel Princewill-
Former world heavyweight champion, Anthony Joshua has chosen Robert Garcia to train him for his upcoming rematch against Olegsander Usyk in July.
The 32-year-old 2012 London olympic champion is seeking to salvage his damaged reputation by avenging the second defeat of his career, after he was roundly beaten by Usyk last September. The Londoner is in his last chance salon for this rematch, with his his back against the wall in what is a must win fight for the once undisputed heavyweight champion of the world, who was also Britain’s golden goose.
Contracts for the big fight are yet to be signed, with promoter Eddie Hearn admitting he’s running “out of time” to finalise the bout for the proposed date scheduled for Saudi Arabia. Time has already been overstretched for a rematch which should have taken place by now, paving the way for a unification fight between the winner and Tyson Fury, or whomever inherits the belts from the gypsy king in the event of vacating the belts.
Usyk, an unbeaten world champion before transiting to the heavy ranks, had signed up to defend his native country of Ukraine in the war, following the invasion of Russia. A repeat victory for the Ukranian star will elevate his status in boxing and provide him with a platform to speak on behalf of his country. Joshua is determined to ruin any plans Usyk has to retain his titles.
Garcia, 47, has guided 14 boxers to world titles. Among them: Marcos Maidana, Abner Mares, Jose Ramirez, Brandon Rios, Brian Viloria and his brother, Mikey, who has won belts in four divisions. Joshua was forced to seek a replacement for Robert McCracken, after he suffered the second embarrassing loss of his career.
The multi- millionaire boxer has barely two months to adopt whatever new approach he needs to sweep the supremely talented Usky away, and look like the true heavyweight champion boxing fans believed him to be when his career started out.
Garcia is the man believed to have the tools to renew the lost fire and killer instinct once in Anthony Joshua’s belly.
The Mexican American is renowned for his pressure fighting directions to his stable of boxers, offering the kind of aggressive tactics Joshua will need to impose himself on his unbeaten opponent and bash him to submission when the pair meet on July 23. Usyk will be determined to repeat the conquest against Joshua, an outcome which would leave Joshua’s career in tartars should it materialise.”
Robert Garcia Image: AP
Garcia, the boxing writers’ 2012 Trainer of the Year and a former 130-pound champion, coaches out of Robert Garcia Boxing Academy in Riverside, California, but will train Joshua in England.
Following Tyson Fury’s recent demolition of Dillian Whyte after twice defeating a dangerous Deontey Wilder, Tyson Fury has emerged the dominant heavyweight in the world, with Joshua’s name further down the pecking order of heavyweight contenders today.
A masterful victory in July could make him once again a force to be reckoned with, but Joshua knows his mentality will have to be brutal and confident to have any chance of victory.