Daniele D’Alessio – In a recent interview with Behind The Gloves, former unified heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua announced Angel Fernandes as his new head coach.
“Angel Fernandes right now, anyway he’s been in my camp for the last three years, he’s been in my last three world championships”
Since his convincing loss to Oleksandr Usyk in September 2021, many have questioned whether Joshua needs to change his team.
AJ lost a game 12 by unanimous decision to the undisputed former cruiser champion and was criticized for trying to take him down, rather than using his distinct physical advantages.
England’s Olympic head coach, Robert McCracken, was sacked after he appeared to give AJ false instructions during a game against Usyk.
Matchroom promoter Eddie Hearn also admitted that incorrect tactics were used and needed to be changed.
“He has to change and impose his style to win the rematch, otherwise he will lose again.”
This led Joshua to seek out new training opportunities in the US and visit the likes of Eddie Reynoso, Virgil Hunter, Ronnie Shields and Robert Garcia. In addition, get in touch with highly regarded British coach Shane McGuigan.
However, Joshua ultimately decided to give Fernandes a promotion, who would prepare him for the next bout.
Fernandes was added to AJ’s team in 2019 after suffering a shock defeat to Andy Ruiz Jr. Besides McCracken, he helped Joshua avenge his loss to Ruiz Jr and then beat Kubrat Pulev in 2020 via a 9th round knockout.
Given the ongoing situation in Ukraine, it is unclear whether a rematch between AJ and Usyk will happen this year as the Ukrainian has chosen to fight for his country in the war against Russia.
Despite that, AJ made it clear in the same interview that he’s open to a temporary fight to stay active, including a rematch with Joseph Parker.
“Yeah, I’ll fight no matter what, I’ll fight Joseph Parker, I’ll fight anyone, whenever, just a fight, I’ll fight 100%.”
Meanwhile, fellow domestic rivals Tyson Fury and Dillian Whyte are expected to fight on April 23 for the WBC heavyweight title.
