Before his comeback fight against Jermaine Franklin on Saturday, Anthony Joshua has impressed his new trainer Derrick James with his determination.
At the O2 Arena, Joshua will start his ascent to the heavyweight peak. Oleksandr Usyk’s recent world title victories have resulted in back-to-back losses for Usyk, therefore many people consider the fight as a must-win situation.
Joshua will be fighting without a world heavyweight title on the line for the first time since 2015, and his detractors have been vocal during this trying moment for the Olympic gold medalist.
Robert Garcia, who prepared Joshua for his second encounter with Usyk, has been among the most outspoken, and he has said that during the closing moments of his most recent bout in Saudi Arabia.
According to the new head coach James, “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 whole winter season away from his loved ones and friends at James’ World Class Boxing Gym in Dallas.
Following weeks of rigorous conditioning work and sparring sessions, the two-time heavyweight champion arrived back in the UK on March 16. Joshua and his team are hoping that it will be sufficient to offer him a chance for a third go at the belts.
