Robert Garcia has revealed that Anthony Joshua has not been happy with him and Angel Fernandez at times in the lead-up to his rematch with Oleksandr Usyk. The dynamic duo have been cracking the whip during preparations and pushing ‘AJ’ to his limits as Garcia affirmed that he’s not in camp to be Joshua’s friend.
Following the defeat to Usyk in September, Joshua axed long-time trainer Rob McCracken and went on the lookout for an experienced head to work alongside Fernandez in his Loughborough camp. Garcia was chosen from a long list of high-quality American-based trainers and has a track record of producing highly-aggressive and powerful fighters – playing to Joshua’s strengths.
Garcia has led 14 men to world championship reigns throughout his legendary career, but none above middleweight. Among the list of fighters, he has worked with are former four-division champion and brother Mikey Garcia, Marcos Maidana, Jose Ramirez, Bam Rodriguez, Abner Mares, Nonito Donaire, Brandon Rios and Antonio Margarito.
With a wealth of experience, Garcia knows how important discipline is and demands it every time Joshua steps into the gym.
“We told Anthony, look you might not like us during training camp. We’re going to push you to do everything we want you to do. There’s going to be days that you’re going to complain about us and yeah, those days have been there where [he thinks,] ‘You guys don’t give me credit for things that I do right.’ Well, that’s good because we want you to do more. But after the fight you’re going to like us. You’re going to thank us.”
Joshua squares off against Usyk for a second time on Saturday at the King Abdullah Sport City in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia live on Sky Sports Box Office. The Watford powerhouse is expected to adopt a more aggressive approach under his new team and has been focusing on harnessing his spiteful streak in preparations.