• Joyce calls Hearn ‘Pinocchio’ over AJ’s claim
Anthony Joshua believes he has benefited from ‘going back to basics’ with new trainer Derrick James, reports www.dazn.com.
Joshua has moved to a new training setup after back-to-back defeats against Oleksandr Usyk and ahead of his April 1 fight with Jermaine Franklin, he is mostly operating from Texas after he is expected to travel to the United States before returning. .
The fight with Franklin will be shown live on DAZN, and speaking to the streaming service, he discussed how to adjust his preparation.
“I don’t see much of Texas to be honest. I’ve liked the United States more and more. I’m not saying I’ll move there, but I’ll spend more time outside of England,” he said.
“There’s a whole world out there.” Promoter Eddie Hearn has suggested that Joshua can now fight three times this year, and the former champion has no problem with that idea.
He said: “It’s very easy, but that’s the hope, because of the situation – look at what’s indisputable – it’s better to have a date so you can work on what you’re going to do. I think three fights is easy, to be honest.
“In terms of rebuilding, let (me) have time to fight without pressure, but don’t forget that this guy, Jermaine Franklin, is working in the trenches. It’s stupid for me to go in with that mindset (that he’s going to win.)
Discussing his new coach, he added: “Why Derrick? In the search for greatness, thank God, and I hope you can do it.
“It’s a natural progression. It’s good, you know: what to do as a boxer? Skip, shadow box, hit the heavy bag, hit the gloves and spar, but with intention. I was looking before, let’s take it off again, back to the basics. I like it, it’s good.
“I think I need to take Jermaine Franklin more seriously than Usyk. I know better now. The way I’m trained, it’s not enough. I need to push myself more. As long as I’m fighting I’ll have hope to do better.”
Meanwhile, British heavyweight Joe Joyce has denied his promoter, Hearn’s claim that there is an offer to fight Joshua, reports worldboxingnews.net.
Reports quoted Hearn as saying Joshua ‘wanted to fight’ Joyce instead of the lighter option of Jermaine Franklin.
In response, Joyce sent Hearn a ‘Pinocchio’ emoji as if he was clueless about the approach he was considering.
Joyce is set to fight Zhang Zhilei on April 15, two weeks after Joshua bounced back from two defeats against American Franklin.
On paper, Joyce has a more challenging task. The WBO number one is bidding to solidify his position as a mandatory challenger.
‘The Juggernaut’ believes AJ is taking a little risk because he knows another loss will ruin his five-year DAZN deal.
A fight with Tyson Fury never materialized for Joshua despite much hype in the British media in late 2022.
Speaking to talkSPORT, Joyce was candid about Joshua’s test selection for the spring as he descended into the arena for the first time in six years.
“I think he wants to take the long route again, which will not be named. I went to the Olympics, and I became a professional at 31. I had to move on,” said Joyce.
“My team strategically made the right move. I have boxed the whole world in all channels. To get to the top, you have to plan your route.
“I’ve finished all my fights. I’m on a mission.”
Joyce definitely after the brilliant stoppage of Joseph Parker, the opponent that Joshua had trouble dealing with when they traded blows.
However, after his career nosedived behind Andy Ruiz Jr.’s loss, Joshua is aiming to impress his third trainer in his last three fights.
“I’m looking forward to stepping back into the ring on April 1 at The O2 in London,” Joshua said at a press conference for Franklin’s non-Pay Per View.
“Mentally and physically, I feel ready. I want to put on a show and impress my coach (Derrick James), who has high standards.
“Franklin has a great style and a great attitude, which he has shown in recent fights.”
While campaigning on his first PPV since before the Dillian Whyte fight in 2015, Joshua added: “This will be my first fight broadcast on DAZN in the UK.
“It will be available globally on the platform. I want to thank DAZN for supporting me and the sport of boxing as a whole.
“I would also like to thank the team at 258 and Matchroom Boxing.”
Joshua was hoping not to look like an April fool at the first bell.