By Daily Sports Nigeria on March 31, 2023

Anthony Joshua has impressed new trainer Derrick James with his dedication ahead of Saturday’s comeback fight against Jermaine Franklin.

Joshua will begin his journey to the heavyweight summit at the O2 Arena and many view the fight as a win at all costs after Oleksandr Usyk inflicted back-to-back defeats in recent world title fights.

This will be the first time since 2015 that no world heavyweight belt is on the line for a Joshua fight and his critics have been out in force during a difficult period for the Olympic gold medallist.

Robert Garcia, who trained Joshua for his second clash with Usyk, has been among the most vocal and described him as mentally defeated during the latter stages of his last fight in Saudi Arabia.

But new head coach James said, “I learned a lot about Anthony from his dedication and the fact he is always a student. He always wants more, wants more and wants more. I think this Saturday it will be a night that we show everything we’ve been working on.

“I think that Jermaine Franklin is a very tough fighter. For me, I don’t really care how we get it, I just care that we get it. I think that if it gets to a point where I can see it, then I’ll be like, ‘let’s go get it.”

“Initially, it’s just going in there and all about winning the fight regardless of how he wins. I don’t care about that. I just care that he comes out victorious. If I see the knockout, let’s go get him. If he’s ready to be taken, let’s take him I’ll tell him.”

Joshua spent the winter months at James’ World Class Boxing Gym in Dallas away from family and friends.

The two-time world heavyweight champion returned to the UK on March 16 after weeks of intense sparring sessions and conditioning work. It is hoped by Joshua and his team that it will be enough to give him the opportunity for a third run at the belts.

Source Punch Ng

Posted March 31, 2023

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