ANTHONY JOSHUA Changing trainers 12 weeks before his Oleksandr Usyk rematch, is a "huge chance" - promoter Eddie Hearn.
The Watford legend, 32 years old, lost his WBA and IBF heavyweight titles to the Ukraine master in Septeber. A rematch is scheduled for April.
After the unanimous points loss, the original gameplan was scrapped by Rob McCracken, Team GB boss. It was meant to outbox southpaw geniuses.
AJ was on a tour in the US and Dubai, where he auditioned new trainers such as Floyd Mayweather, Floyd Mayweather and Eddy Reynoso. McCracken is set to take the fall.
Hearn admits that such a major change so close to the fight could have huge consequences. He said: "It's a huge risk, but if it feels like you need a shift and you can no longer continue in the same way, the alternative is far more risky."
"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 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.
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"The key to his success in this fight is mental comfort with his preparation."
McCracken has not been officially announced as McCracken's departure, despite being Joshua's mentor for more than a decade.
Hearn insists that the Sir Alex Ferguson of the team's success, whom AJ considered to be his friend, has not been forgotten.
He said, "These conversations were with Rob and AJ." "AJ was clear when he stated that 'I will work with a new trainer.'
"Will this be in conjunction Rob? "I think that will be announced in the next weeks."
Hearn is hopeful that the announcement of the rematch will be made soon after the training shake up has been revealed. London hopes to host the rerun.
Joshua was conflicted about Joshua's interest in stepaside money for Usyk and WBC champion Tyson Fury to fight it out to crown an undisputed King.
Hearn also says Fury's long overdue shot at Fury was a key factor in the kyboshing of that money-spinning scheme.
Matchroom boss stated that conversations about step-aside maneuvering keep popping up whenever there is a desire to fight.
"But, the Dillian Whyte situation makes it very difficult to have those conversations, as you have another pawn in negotiations.
"We reached a stage where it felt almost like, "Let's get on with the original plans" and that's exactly where we are now.
"We have received offers from several countries to stage Joshua v Usyk, but I'm happy to fight that fight back in the UK at Spurs or Wembley because it's a must win for AJ.
"If we could stage the fight in the UK, we should. And if he wins that fight on UK soil, it would be quite special."
Joshua and Usyk: All information about the TV, stream, and undercard ahead of Saturday's heavyweight fight
