ANTHONY JOSHUA told potential'spies’ in his training camp that they should 'f**k off' before Oleksandr Usyk's rematch.
Although a date has not been set for their second fight, the Watford warrior will be looking to reclaim the unified Heavyweight titles from the smooth southpaw in April.
Anthony Joshua is preparing for a rematch against Oleksandr Usyk
Joshua, 32, is leaving Rob McCracken, his long-time coach, for the crunch clash, but has kept the identity of his new trainer secret.
He sent an Instagram message to potential bean-spillers, sharing a list with rules for the gym, including the warning: "Anyone who visits spies or traitors our gym, f**k off, because we don’t want you."
Eddie Hearn, Joshua's promoter, believes Joshua took a big risk by hiring a new coach months prior to one of the most important fights in his career.
Matchroom Boxing's chief stated that while it is risky, it is worth the risk if you feel you need to make a change or are unable to continue in a certain way.
"If AJ did not make any changes or was uncomfortable with his approach going into this rematch, then I don't think we should be taking that rematch.
"But, the fact that he has been so proactive and positively and regardless of which route he takes, I know that he will be happy with that choice.
"I feel a lot more relaxed than when I have to deal with the other side, which is to go. He's eager to find something new.
"The key to his success in this fight is mental comfort with his preparation."
Joshua was defeated by the undefeated Usyk by a narrow margin in their Tottenham match last September. This could have a negative impact on a potentially lucrative Battle of Britain with Tyson Fury.
The London 2012 Olympian has suffered a crushing loss. He stated last week to Sky Sports: "I have high standards of myself."
"That's why when I lost the first time, I didn't make excuses. I had my reasons.
"I accepted my loss, but I knew that I would get it back. That one I just ignored. This one was hard because I was 100%.
"There weren't any problems. Everything was great. It was all cool. I went in and lost to the better man that night.
"But it gave my motivation to get out of that situation.
"Mentally, it killed me. I fought my back, and now I will redeem myself."
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