Anthony Joshua raises eyebrows with reason for wanting to step away and find a new coach

Tyson Fury ‘absolutely wounded’ by Anthony Joshua’s loss to Oleksandr Usyk

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Anthony Joshua has raised eyebrows as he believes the lack of chemistry between his team members may have played a part in his loss to Oleksandr Usyk last month – and it could lead to the former world champion joining forces with a new coach. Joshua lost his WBA, WBO and IBF world titles to the Ukrainian after suffering the second loss of his career.

Usyk – now a two-division champion – dethroned the Brit in front of 65,000 fans at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, as the former undisputed cruiserweight champion comfortably outclassed Joshua.

The scorecards – which read 117-112, 116-112, 115-113 – were all in favour of the challenger, and Joshua met the news of his defeat with a simple shrug of his shoulders.

It appeared Joshua would remain loyal to his coach Rob McCracken and assistants Angel Fernandes and Joby Clayton, despite their ill-advised game plan for the clash with the Ukrainian – but the Brit was seen working with Ronnie Shields recently, the former coach of Mike Tyson and Evander Holyfield.

And Joshua believes the relationship between McCracken, Fernandes and Clayton must improve ahead of the highly-anticipated rematch with Usyk, which will likely take place next year in March or April 2022.

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“In all honesty, they’re still trying to make that relationship work,” Joshua told iFL TV.

“So, what I want to do is step away and let these guys sort out whatever they need to sort out, and I need to go and get some new teachings.”

Joshua hired Fernandes and Clayton ahead of his rematch with Andy Ruiz in 2019, with many citing the former as the mastermind behind his return to winning ways.

The 32-year-old, who joked that rival Tyson Fury is more than welcome to come train him, admitted he needs to get out of his comfort zone ahead of the career-defining bout with Usyk. 

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He suggested that while he is enduring some ‘tough sparring’, McCracken is the only one offering advice – which is why the Brit went to America recently. 

Joshua, whose record stands at 24-2 went to learn more and bring vital information back – and he is not ruling out the addition of another experienced coach.

“I said, “Rob, look, I got to go out there and I’ve got to find a new coach to work with and learn from as well’,” Joshua continued.

“I’m not basing myself in the states. I’m a UK resident, I’m not living out in the states.

“So, to find a new coach must mean I train 11 months, 10 months out of the year and for me, I’m not going out to the states to live and find a new coach.

“I might go out there. I’m probably going to shoot out there again and do some training.

“Rob’s in Lithuania or something like that or Siberia, like so I’ve got to find other ways to keep myself busy.”

He insisted he works with his coaches to create a learning space that leans on different styles and influences.

“Joby’s got a great philosophy, the loose and heavy 70’s style rhythm and flow, back foot balance,” Joshua added.

“Angel’s got the great reaction, repetition training and angles punching off the line.

“Rob’s got the experience to get me ready for a 12-round fight.

“So, I looked at how I could create a team, but still have Rob as the Alex Ferguson the gaffer.”

Joshua will fight Usyk in their rematch early next year, with the winner set to face either Fury or Dillian Whyte – if he finally earns his WBC shot as mandatory challenger for the undisputed title.

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