ANTHONY JOSHUA is set to name American Derrick James as his new boxing trainer.
The ex-heavyweight champion once again went on the scout for a fresh coaching team following defeat to Oleksandr Usyk.
Anthony Joshua pictured at Derrick James’ gym
Derrick James, left, pictured next to Errol Spence Jr, middle
And after time spent in California and Texas before Christmas, SunSport understands AJ has chosen trainer of the year candidate James.
Joshua, 33, in December visited James’ World Class Boxing Gym in Dallas, home to pound-for-pound stars Errol Spence Jr and Jermell Charlo.
James has guided Spence, 32, to unified welterweight world titles and Charlo, 32, to undisputed glory at light-middleweight.
The US mastermind has also worked with Charlo’s unbeaten brother, WBC middleweight title holder Jermall, 32.
News of Joshua selecting James as his new coach was first reported by No Smoke Boxing.
After AJ’s first loss to Usyk, in September 2021, he parted ways with Rob McCracken, who led him to gold in the amateurs and pros.
Joshua replaced McCracken with esteemed US mastermind Robert Garcia, but following rematch defeat to Usyk, 35, the two split.
AJ took the rest of the year off to re-group, allowing for his second tour of America to trail trainers.
And Eddie Hearn confirmed the 2012 Olympic gold medalist has picked his new coach and will start camp for a return fight in April.
Hearn told DAZN: “He is gonna train in America, and he’ll start that camp in the next week. He’ll be flying out. You guys will get the news soon.
“Like I said, AJ’s his own man, and something like that (announcing his new trainer) is for him to confirm once he’s happy to confirm it.”
Joshua is expected to rematch Dillian Whyte, 34, in the summer, the man he beat in 2015, but will first take a confidence-building tune-up.
Hearn added: “April 1 is the targeted date in London.
“Really, I have a call (today) to go through the final list of opponents, the final, you know, bits and pieces around the date.
We’re almost ready, really. He’s excited.”
Anthony Joshua pictured with promoter Eddie Hearn