Joshua's Redemption - 'Rob didn’t teach me Defence'
Anthony Joshua, in his pursuit of Joshua's redemption, has recently spoken about his strengthened bond with his latest coach, Derrick James. He expressed that had they collaborated earlier in his career, his performance as a boxer would have been even more impressive. The realization of the missed opportunity has fueled Joshua's determination to make a triumphant comeback and achieve Joshua's redemption under the guidance of James. Joshua began his professional career with Rob McCracken by his side, a partnership that remained more or less consistent until he lost the combined heavyweight titles to Oleksandr Usyk in his 26th match. In a recent interview with the Boxing News Podcast, the two-time champion reflected that his evolution as a boxer had halted since his inaugural defeat against Andy Ruiz Jr two years earlier. However, with Joshua's redemption on the horizon, his partnership with Derrick James has brought renewed hope and confidence.
“When I looked at Mayweather he had two phases of his career – Pretty Boy and then Money May. And he just became smarter, so I was just trying to get smarter as a fighter, that’s all. Once I faced defeat at the hands of Ruiz, I acknowledged my health setbacks, but it was becoming increasingly clear that at some point, I might falter. Why? Because I didn't feel like I was progressing. I was engaged in fights but not gaining knowledge. Thus, after the first showdown with Ruiz, I decided to overhaul my approach. I entirely transformed my fighting style – maintain distance, dodge, strike, and avoid being hit. This strategy was then incorporated into my subsequent matches with Usyk. He is the ultimate expert in that arena.”Post his second loss, Joshua made the switch from Robert Garcia to Derrick James in Dallas, confident that he had finally found the right fit. This new collaboration will play a crucial role in his journey towards Joshua's redemption. Joshua compared his training under the Texan coach with that of McCracken's.
“Yes [I wish my path had crossed with Derrick James earlier.] Rob’s a really good coach, the only thing I’ll say though is look at Froch’s nose. He just didn’t teach me defence. And in heavyweight boxing, the level of competition I was facing at that stage of my career, I was getting hit way too much with clean shots. During the preparation for the Ruiz fight in Miami, I was training with Solomon Dacres and Lewis, the tall six foot five individual, whilst Ruiz stands at only five foot. Meanwhile, Rob was in Japan for the Olympics, returning just seven weeks before the match. This level of involvement just doesn’t cut it for me. Derrick to me is like Rob but seems to be more committed … Rob was overly dedicated to the Olympic team, not the professional one. I devoted my prime years to Rob, and now I have to strive to reclaim them.”Joshua's next match under the guidance of James is scheduled for August 12, where he will be pitted against Dillian Whyte. This bout presents a significant opportunity for Joshua's redemption, as he aims to prove his mettle and reignite his career under the tutelage of his new coach.
