ANTHONY JOSHUA is looking “amazing” under the guidance of new head coach Derrick James.
AJ appointed James as his new chief trainer two months after axing Robert Garcia following his second successive points defeat to Oleksandr Usyk.
INSTAGRAM@DERRICKDJAMES1Anthony Joshua has appointed Derek James as his new head coach[/caption]
PAJames replaces the recently-axed Robert Garcia[/caption]
GETTYAJ is said to have come on leaps and bounds under the American[/caption]
Joshua has been training in Texas with James for the last few weeks and is said to have already come on leaps and bounds.
That’s according to boxing manager Adrian Clark, who told Tha Boxing Voice: “I wish – and it’s something I’ve told AJ and Derrick – I wish he would have captured Derrick in his 20s.
“Just the way he looks now, and he’s only been there a couple of weeks.
“But man, it’s crazy to see someone that big move that fast and he looks amazing with James.”
Joshua’s first outing under James will see him lock horns with American gunslinger Jermaine Franklin on April 1.
And he’s champing at the bit to showcase the fruits of his labour with the Texan.
He said: “I want to put on a show and impress my coach as he has high standards.
“Franklin has a good style and a great attitude, which he has shown in recent fights.”
Joshua’s clash with Franklin will be his first outing since back-to-back defeats to Usyk – which have left him outside the world title picture.
CASINO SPECIAL – BEST NEW CUSTOMER SIGN UP DEALS
He said: “I’m looking forward to stepping back into the ring on April 1 at The O2 in London.
“Mentally and physically I feel ready.”
A third defeat on the trot would be catastrophic for Joshua’s career, which is somewhat hanging on a knife edge.
Promoter Eddie Hearn told iFL TV: “You go into that fight in April and you know that defeat, it’s all over, really.
SUNSPORT
Anthony Joshua vs Jermaine Franklin – Date, live stream, TV channel and all you need to know about heavyweight bout
“It would be a third back-to-back defeat and yet a great performance and a showroom knockout will get everyone saying, ‘We’re back, baby.’
“That’s what I can’t wait for because I love it when our backs are against the wall.
“I’m excited. I’m really excited.
“This is the most excited I’ve been in Joshua’s journey so far.”