ANTHONY JOSHUA is mixing up his training for ‘versatile’ Tyson Fury as his coach admitted he has to force the ‘dedicated’ champion to rest.
Joshua and Fury are expected to finally meet this summer in a historic undisputed title decider.
It was recently announced the pair had signed a two-fight, and preparations are already underway for the unification.
Fury, 32, last fought in February as he switched up his usually cautious style to become the aggressor and walk down Deontay Wilder, 35, winning in round seven.
It has kept AJ, 31, preparing for all versions of his rival, so much so his coaches are pleading with him to take a breather.
Coach Joby Clayton, who works alongside head coach Rob McCracken, told Sky Sports: “It’s never too early to talk about basic game-plans.
“We are laying the foundations in preparation for camp. My job is to prepare AJ to his best ability.
“I know that when AJ is AJ, he’s a handful for anybody. The most important thing is that he focuses on himself.
“Fury is a very versatile athlete so I am personally focusing on AJ, and what he brings to the table to combat a whole host of techniques and tactics that he might face.
“AJ is doing some wonderful work, training with a wonderful energy. This is a special time in his career.
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“I’m excited to see what the next few months hold. I have a saying; coaches have to get boxers to train, but they have to get champions to rest.
“We have to make sure AJ rests at the appropriate times because he is so dedicated.”
For the first time in heavyweight history, all four WBC, WBA, IBF and WBO belts are set to be at stake.
Despite an agreement being signed, nothing is official until a venue and date is finalised.
Promoter Eddie Hearn said: “All parties have now put pen to paper and we will be working hard over the next few weeks to confirm the site and date for the biggest fight in boxing.”
