ANTHONY JOSHUA’S former Olympic coach has blamed the cornermen in BOTH the Brit’s world title losses to Oleksandr Usyk.
AJ rose to prominence after he scooped gold at the London Olympics in 2012 with ex-coach Paul Walmsley by his side.
AJ’s ex-Olympic coach Paul Walmsley reckons the Brit’s cornermen are to blame for both his losses to Usyk
Walmsley made his thoughts known after AJ was defeated by Usyk for the second time on Saturday
AJ swapped long term cornerman McCracken for Garcia ahead of the bout – but their both as bad as each other – Walmsley believes
No-nonsense Walmsley, who previously revealed to thesportsman how he kept Joshua in line to attain the top gong, was amongst the millions of viewers who witnessed the Watford native’s split decision loss to Usyk on Saturday.
And Walsmey reckons AJ’s defeat is down to who was in the Brit’s corner on both occasions he’s faced Usyk.
He tweeted: “Big Josh let down by woeful cornermen in both fights.”
When asked by a fan what he would’ve done differently if he was in AJ’s corner on the night, Walmsley responded in depth: “Front foot pressure, staying in front of him as he moves.
“Let his shots go as Usyk came in ( Josh has the longer reach) therefore more chance of landing. Also easier to control ring space and put pressure on Usyk
“Josh kept pushing away as Usyk came in giving him more space to move.”
Rob McCraken was by Joshua’s side when Usyk beat him the first time at White Hart Lane.
He was replaced by American mastermind Robert Garcia ahead of the second fight – to no avail.
And fans also felt Joshua’s corner played a part in his defeat as they told him he was winning after three rounds, which clearly wasn’t the case.
Virtually everyone watching the spectacle felt Usyk had clinched atleast one of the first three rounds.
And supporters felt Garcia’s skewed outlook on the match led Joshua to take his foot off the gas.
The slugfest could’ve had a different outcome if AJ went the extra mile as he lost 112-117 to the Ukrainian powerhouse.
His frustration was clear to see after the bout that saw the Brit lose composure and deliver an F-bomb filled rant, plus throw Usyk’s belts out the ring.
