Anthony Joshua ‘will be trained by Robert Garcia for Oleksandr Usyk rematch’ with Brit boxer to use ‘roughhouse tactics’
ANTHONY JOSHUA has announced that Robert Garcia will train him for his rematch with Oleksandr Usyk.
The two-time heavyweight champion has been with GB coach Rob McCracken since his professional debut way back in 2013.
But now he has decided to switch things up as he bids to avenge his loss to Usyk.
And Garcia, who was voted The Ring magazine's Trainer of the Year in 2011, will reportedly be in the corner for Joshua against the Ukrainian.
ESPN's tweeted: "Robert Garcia will train Anthony Joshua in England for the heavyweight title rematch vs. Oleksandr Usyk on July 23 in Saudi Arabia, sources tell ESPN.
"Garcia, an ex champ and trainer of the year, is revered for his game plans.
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"Love this move for AJ. Garcia will surely work with him on being the big man and using some roughhouse tactics.
"Besides the job he’s done with his brother, Mikey, he’s done great work with Jose Ramirez, Brandon Rios and a host of others. One of the best in the game."
Angel Fernandez, who recently stated he wants to become the best coach in the world, will also be in Joshua's corner for the rematch.
Fernandez was brought in as No2 to Robert McCracken in 2019 before AJ beat Andy Ruiz Jr in their Saudi Arabia rematch.
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Joshua lost a unanimous decision to Usyk at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium last September.
He has not fought since, but there has been much discussion over who will train him for the rematch.
Earlier this year, Joshua went on a tour of America auditioning new trainers - with the likes of Eddy Reynoso and Virgil Hunter conducting sessions for the heavyweight.
But he has now finally announced Garcia - less than eight weeks out from the proposed rematch date in Saudi Arabia.
The 47-year-old trainer was a boxer himself - winning a world title in the super-featherweight division 24 years ago.
Since hanging up his gloves in 2001, Garcia has gone on to train some world champion boxers.
These include Antonio Margarito, Chris Algieri, Marcos Maidana, Victor Ortiz, Brandon Rios and Fernando Vargas.
But perhaps is most notable work has come with brother Mikey Garcia - a four-weight world champion.