The former heavyweight champion, Anthony Joshua has been spotted in the United States as he begins his preparations for his rematch with Ukraine’s Oleksandr Usyk.
According to Manchester Evening News, he looks to be following Tyson Fury’s lead as he tours American gyms following calls to sack his coaching team.
He would appear to be trying to get well ahead of the game ahead of his expected rematch with Oleksandr Usyk, which is protracted to go ahead around next year.
The former heavyweight champion will be aiming to claim back his titles after losing the WBA, IBF, WBO and IBO belts to the Ukrainian.
Usyk thoroughly outclassed his opponent at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium last month, leading to criticism for both Joshua and his corner, with some suggesting the 32-year-old needs to put together a new team.
It is believed that part of his mission in the United States is potentially with the aim of finding a new coach.
Fury went down the American route ahead of his second bout against Deontay Wilder, parting ways with Ben Davison after drawing with the Bronze Bomber in their first meeting.
The Gypsy King went on to team up with SugarHill Steward from the Kronk Gym in Detroit, and together they went on to defeat Wilder twice and claim the WBC world title.
Joshua looks as though he could be heading down a similar path, having been seen earlier this week alongside Joshua Buatsi in Virgil Hunter’s gym, while Ronald and Rashidi Ellis posted pictures of AJ in Eddy Reynoso’s gym, where pound-for-pound king Canelo Alvarez is based.
Joshua’s American tour may hint at him looking for a new coaching team ahead of his rematch with Usyk, particularly after claims made by Fury’s promoter Frank Warren.
“Should he fight him (Usyk) again? If he does what he did last time, I don’t see him beating him. Even then, I think Usyk will get more out of that win than Joshua.
“I just don’t see what Joshua can do any different to win that fight other than get rid of all the trainers around him and try to change what he’s doing. Will he do that?”
Joshua’s plan will no doubt be revealed in the build-up to his rematch with Usyk, which is expected to go ahead next April after Fury’s other promoter Bob Arum let the news slip this week.
