ANTHONY JOSHUA has already had two secret training stints in the UK with new coach Robert Garcia ahead of his rematch with Oleksandr Usyk.
Watford warrior Joshua has added the renowned Garcia – who has trained 14 world champions – to his team ahead of his high-stakes summer rematch with Usyk.
Joshua has drafted in Robert Garcia to help prepare him for his rematch with Usykk
Garcia was one of several coaches AJ visited in America following his latest defeat and secretly flew over to the UK last December and in April to train with the Brit before his appointment was confirmed.
In an interview with iFL TV, Joshua’s camp manager David Ghansa said of the former super-featherweight champ: “As AJ just mentioned, we’ve got him here and he’s in the gym.
“Since last year when he went out [to America], we’ve had him back in the UK on two different occasions.
“He spent two weeks with us in London and then he’s been in Loughborough for another two weeks.”
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Long-time assistant trainer Angel Fernandez was expected to lead the camp for AJ’s second showdown with slick southpaw Usyk following the departure of head coach Robert McCracken.
But the role of head coach is currently unknown following the addition of the highly-respected Garcia.
Ghansa said of the addition of Garcia: “It was actually married through Angel.
“Angel Fernandez and Robert Garcia, they clicked.
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“Angel liked what Garcia had to offer; there is experience and there are similarities.
“And ever since, them two have just been chopping it up. So in his absence, Angel has been sending Garcia footage, sparring between AJ, Richard [Riakporhe] – all of his fighters.”
New coaching duo Garcia and Fernandez will get their first official run out next weekend when former British cruiserweight champion Riakporhe takes on Italy’s Fabio Turchi.
Ghansa said: “So now he’s here as part of Angel’s team. So I think next week when Riakporhe is out, you’ll see Garcia in the corner with Angel.”
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Joshua’s rematch with the undefeated Usyk – which is set to take place in Saudi Arabia – was originally slated for July 23.
But the pair’s desert dust-up has been pushed back due to minor broadcasting issues and to squeeze in a whistle-stop world tour.
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