ANTHONY JOSHUA said he had to end his 10-year-long relationship with mentor Rob McCracken in order to make a happy camp for Oleksandr Usyk rematch.
After the shocking June 2019 loss to Andy Ruiz Jr. in New York, 32 year-old AJ has added Spanish trainer Angel Fernandez to his team and Wolverhampton coach Joby Clay to his.
Joshua with McCracken, his former trainer, at the world heavyweight belts
Joshua is currently working with Garcia in preparation for his rematch against Usyk
It looked from the outside like a disturbing clash of styles. McCracken, Team GB boss, was a master of European basics and McCracken, the unproven newcomer favoured a more elaborate Cuban style.
The backroom team had some issues, but the win in a cautious rematch over Kubrat Pulev and the Mexican knockout of December 2020 was enough to cover them all.
September's loss to the 35 year-old Ukraine southpaw in a unanimous decision was too devastating for Joshua and McCracken to survive. Anyone who saw the fight on TV could hear disjoint.
And ahead of Saturday's must-win rerun at Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, AJ revealed that he needed to make some changes to ensure he is enjoying the re-education under Mexican-American Robert Garcia.
Two-time heavyweight champion said that he learned from his coach that it is more important to me what I want than what he wants.
"The coach must be able to work with me in an environment that allows him to learn.
"I was open to giving the reins over to the guys and saying 'we need work on x,y, and z. But I want the decision-making to be done by you guys.
"I'm a sponge and I can learn from anyone. I let the environment control me, as long as it's a happy one. I will get a great workout.
AJ vs Usyk 2, date, live stream, and TV channel for blockbuster rematch
"If people don't talk to me or don't get along with me in a gym that I've set up, then I'm not going to get the best out of it."
"And this is how we managed it this year."
Joshua warmly referred McCracken to as 'The General' and 'Alex Ferguson’ of Team AJ.
He does however hint that the tried-and tested training methods were becoming tiresome, and new faces were added to the team to refresh the system.
London 2012 Olympic gold boy: "Me, Rob, would walk in to do skipping shadow boxing pads and the bag.
He would probably say things like "hands up" or "slip there". Angel and Robert Garcia explain things more.
"I might be told that in this round, you must perfect the f jab. This round's goal is to get your jab popping. Next, tilt more with the right hand.
"It's more tactical than that, so there is logic behind the method.
It's hard to remember and can be quite exhausting, but there is nothing that will make me feel more tired than being in the ring for 12 rounds. So I must go through it."
Joshua met with respected trainers before appointing Garcia, who had trained 14 world champions but never a heavyweight.
British fight fans were thrilled to see Watford's hero visit Canelo, a Mexican multi-weight star.
AJ said that trainer Eddy Reynoso was so dedicated to the pound for pound ace that the Dream Team fell apart quickly.
He stated that he would prefer one-on-one training with Canelo.
"That was one reason we didn't take that route as well. I need that one on one time, and he is dedicated to his fighter at this moment.
"He couldn’t come here, and I am based here in the UK. So we found someone who could and would work within the remit of Angel, when he is there or not."
It is felt that the majority of the rebuilding needs to take place between AJ's ears with his confidence on deck after such a crushing defeat to the 14st 4lbs cruiserweight king.
The English icon insists that his self-belief does not come from cheerleaders. He has had to spar with the four southpaws who he flew in to train him for the unbeaten leftie genius.
Josh stated, "I don’t need the confidence."
Garcia is a person I respect highly. His name was first on the list because of his credentials and his experience.
"But I'm happy with what my team decides. My sparring and preparation are the only way I gain confidence.
"A coach can tell fighters a million things, but if they don't happen it's useless."
Joshua and Usyk met at a press conference held in June.
The pair will clash in Saudi Arabia
