Former world heavyweight boxing champion, Anthony Olaseni Oluwafemi Joshua has admitted he is seeking ‘new ideas’ that would aid his future exertions in the roped square, but confirmed he is still with his long-term trainer.
While admitting he is seeking ‘new teaching’ to boost his chances of reclaiming his title in a rematch with Oleksandr Usyk, by trying out a variety of coaches in USA, ‘AJ’ interjected that he has not split with Rob McCracken.
However, megasportsarena.com reports that the Nigerian-born British pugilist also admitted that he has signed on a new management team that will guide his career towards a revival and McCracken will have to agree new terms with them.
Part of his new deal has seen him ariving in the US to train in a series of gyms after losing his WBA, IBF and WBO titles in a points loss to Usyk at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, London last month.
Joshua says he is open to expanding his coaching team, but has not parted company with McCracken who guided him to two world title triumphs and the London 2012 Olympic Games gold medal.
In his search for new ideas, Joshua has spent time with some of the most respected trainers in America as he plans to avenge his second professional defeat in next year’s rematch with Usyk.
While dousing worries from his fans over his recent actions, the 32-year-old two-time champ assured that he will continue to base his training camp in Britain, thereby ruling out a permanent switch to America.
Joshua threw more light on his new move and McCracken’s status, as he told IFLTV: “He has to speak to the people I may want to work with and see if he can work with them.
“I had the same conversation with Rob, ‘I want to work with you, but I also want to work with this guy for six months.’
“Rob might tell me, ‘You know what champ, this ain’t working for me. For the next six months, you do your thing and come and see me after.’
“It’s mature conversations. My life, my health is on the line. I need to go and get some new teachings from guys that have trained – Robert Garcia trained 13, 14 world champions.
“I wanted to go around and be in an environment of fighters. Eddy Reynoso, ‘No boxing, no life.’ I love that saying. Canelo is obviously a phenomenal fighter.
“I watched him spar 12 rounds, asked certain questions. Ronnie Shields, another African American coach who has worked with the greats.
“They’ve got so many generations of teachings. Virgil Hunter trained Andre Ward, a phenomenal fighter. Listen, I don’t need anyone that’s going to make me.
“I got myself to the championship. This is my 12th championship fight. I just need to keep on learning.”
