AJ LOCKED INTO RISKY BUSINESS...
EDDIE HEARN admits Anthony Joshua is taking a huge risk by changing trainer – but says doing nothing is an even bigger gamble.
Joshua has spoken to different trainers in the US and plans to have a new cornerman in place for his world heavyweight title rematch in April with Oleksandr Usyk (above, landing a blow on Joshua).
Hearn said: “It’s a huge risk, but if you feel like you need a change and you can’t go on in a specific way any more, the alternative is much more risky.
“If AJ didn’t make any changes and wasn’t comfortable with his approach going into the rematch, I feel like we shouldn’t be taking that rematch.
“But the fact he’s been so proactive and positive, whatever route he goes down, I know he’ll be comfortable with that decision.
“I’m a lot more at ease than with the flip side, which is to leave it. He needs something fresh, he’s excited. The key thing for him in this fight is being mentally comfortable with his preparation.”
Hearn (right) insisted Joshua – who is on holiday in Dubai – has not wasted the four months since losing his WBA Super, IBF and WBO titles to Usyk, even though he has still to confirm his new trainer and what role, if any, Rob McCracken will have.
Joshua says his new set-up will be confirmed soon before he begins his camp at the end of this month.
“He’s on holiday really, but he’s training all the time,” said the Matchroom chief.
“We know where we’re heading from a training perspective, and the set-up for the next fight. AJ made it clear when he said he will be working with a new trainer. Will that be in conjunction with Rob? I think that’s to be announced in the coming weeks.”
Hearn was speaking to launch Matchroom’s schedule for February and March – featuring Josh Warrington’s attempt to become a two-time world champion against IBF featherweight king Kiko Martinez at Leeds’ First Direct Arena on March 26.
Lawrence Okolie makes the second defence of his WBO cruiserweight world title on February 27 against Michal Cieslak and Leigh Wood the first defence of his WBA featherweight crown against Michael Conlan on March 12.