Oleksandr Usyk vs. Anthony Joshua II | Sky Sports PPV - 20 August 2022

[margaret thatcher]

and agree - unless usyk's going on years and years of inactivity or something, it will look awful to strip him or to push for that. instant popularity loss

[Ruthless-RKO]

Anthony Joshua: 'I've Been Listening To A lot of Virgil Hunter'

Anthony Joshua is apparently trying to soak in as much boxing knowledge from as many sources as possible for his upcoming rematch against Oleksandr Usyk.

The former British heavyweight, one of the biggest stars in the boxing firmament, recently let on that he has been immersing himself in the training tidbits of American trainer Virgil Hunter, best known for his work with retired two-division titlist Andre Ward.

“I’m a fan of boxing,” Joshua said in an Instagram Live session. “Away from actually competing in it, I watch a lot of boxing. Listen to a lot of people that talk about boxing.

“At the minute, I’ve been listening to a lot of Virgil Hunter, who’s an experienced coach and trainer of Andre Ward. So I’ve been listening to a lot of Virgil Hunter recently.”

It is not clear if Joshua (24-2, 22 KOs) is referring to personal advice from Hunter, or if he is simply referring to existing videos or audio media of Hunter on the internet. In any case, Joshua appears to be friendly with Hunter. Joshua spent time with Hunter as early as last October, when he dropped by Hunter’s gym in Hayward, California for a workout.

"That's my guy," Joshua said of Hunter.

The visit, in fact, was part of Joshua’s larger attempt to find a new instructor after his unanimous points loss last September against Usyk (19-0, 13 KOs) at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London. During the same trip, Joshua also made visits with Eddy Reynoso, the trainer of unified 168-pound champion Canelo Alvarez, Robert Garcia, the trainer of flyweight titlist Jesse Rodriguez, and Ronnie Shields, the trainer of middleweight titlist Jermall Charlo.

Joshua, 32, has been coy about with whom he will be working ahead of the rematch against WBO/WBA/IBF titlist Usyk, which has not yet been officially announced, though it appears his longtime trainer Rob McCracken will no longer be at the helm of his corner.

The almost obsessive search for a new trainer indicates the difficult task that lies ahead for Joshua. In their first fight, Joshua had virtually no answer for the dexterity of the Ukrainian southpaw, whose feints, busy jab, and overhand left hands had the Londoner reeling in the late rounds.

Eddie Hearn, Joshua’s promoter, told reporters last week that he expects Joshua to announce his new trainer in “two weeks.”

In addition to Ward, Hunter is also known for his work with welterweights Amir Khan and Mario Barrios. Hunter is also the head trainer of one of Joshua’s friends and managerial clients, the British light heavyweight contender Joshua Buatsi.

[Blueprint]

Joy Joyce as interim fight?

[gregregegg]

If any of the sanctioning bodies strip Usyk or if Eddie pressures it - then that will not look good.

I see Joshua vs Wallin - a kind of "good gesture" for the Whyte debacle but also a relatively low risk opponent to come back against - Wallin aint a monster puncher - but it should not be for any "interim" world championship (unless the WBC in their madness make it for their interim strap). I cannot see it being a domestic opponent as they will be seen as a "level down" and seen as an obvious tune up. At least Eddie has the angle that Wallin arguably won more rounds vs Fury than Wilder did in his 23 last rounds.

great shout on wallin, ticks a lot of the boxes there. southpaw, somewhat similar style to usyk, plus the perception of righting a wrong by giving him another opportunity after the whyte situation.. a chance to one up fury''s performance vs wallin too

It makes sense as an absolute tick over glorified sparing match under lights... but you cant expect people to actualy care. No belts against a guy that realistically just lost to Sokolski.

I think it would have to be non PPV and massive pay cut which is a big step back to reality for AJ.... but cool if he did a free TV fight i guess, or neat for dazn if he did a free DAZN fight.

[margaret thatcher]

If any of the sanctioning bodies strip Usyk or if Eddie pressures it - then that will not look good.

I see Joshua vs Wallin - a kind of "good gesture" for the Whyte debacle but also a relatively low risk opponent to come back against - Wallin aint a monster puncher - but it should not be for any "interim" world championship (unless the WBC in their madness make it for their interim strap). I cannot see it being a domestic opponent as they will be seen as a "level down" and seen as an obvious tune up. At least Eddie has the angle that Wallin arguably won more rounds vs Fury than Wilder did in his 23 last rounds.

great shout on wallin, ticks a lot of the boxes there. southpaw, somewhat similar style to usyk, plus the perception of righting a wrong by giving him another opportunity after the whyte situation.. a chance to one up fury''s performance vs wallin too

It makes sense as an absolute tick over glorified sparing match under lights... but you cant expect people to actualy care. No belts against a guy that realistically just lost to Sokolski.

I think it would have to be non PPV and massive pay cut which is a big step back to reality for AJ.... but cool if he did a free TV fight i guess, or neat for dazn if he did a free DAZN fight.

joshua already had ppv fights vs guys no better than wallin (wallin easily beat 1 of them too). he is a legit top 15 heavy and would be a top 3 guy beaten for pretty much any heavy. he fought fury and was going to fight whyte, so he's already been associated with the biggest names (who are both getting loads of hype atm). and far more people will know about him cutting up fury than will know about how an obscure undercard fight vs soko went.

it's always aj and not the opponent carrying most of the show anyway, and all they need to do is show wallin hurting fury and that nasty ass cut. that fight easily couldve been waived off with how badly scissor hands otto cut fury up

i thought wallin beat soko btw, as uninspiring as he was, it was hardly a robbery

[Ruthless-RKO]

Regardless of who AJ fights. It will be PPV. Might still be a pay cut cus they won’t expect huge numbers and they should lower it to £19.95 as well.

[margaret thatcher]

hearn says they intend the next one to be a stay busy fight if they cant get usyk in time, defo wont be charging or hyping like it's some fight of the century, but ya it will defo be ppv whoever it is

[gregregegg]

great shout on wallin, ticks a lot of the boxes there. southpaw, somewhat similar style to usyk, plus the perception of righting a wrong by giving him another opportunity after the whyte situation.. a chance to one up fury''s performance vs wallin too

It makes sense as an absolute tick over glorified sparing match under lights... but you cant expect people to actualy care. No belts against a guy that realistically just lost to Sokolski.

I think it would have to be non PPV and massive pay cut which is a big step back to reality for AJ.... but cool if he did a free TV fight i guess, or neat for dazn if he did a free DAZN fight.

joshua already had ppv fights vs guys no better than wallin (wallin easily beat 1 of them too). he is a legit top 15 heavy and would be a top 3 guy beaten for pretty much any heavy. he fought fury and was going to fight whyte, so he's already been associated with the biggest names (who are both getting loads of hype atm). and far more people will know about him cutting up fury than will know about how an obscure undercard fight vs soko went.

it's always aj and not the opponent carrying most of the show anyway, and all they need to do is show wallin hurting fury and that nasty ass cut. that fight easily couldve been waived off with how badly scissor hands otto cut fury up

i thought wallin beat soko btw, as uninspiring as he was, it was hardly a robbery

Breazeal was a more credible opponent than otto is now. Hard to say he is legit top 15 when he has never beat a legit top 50 and just arguably lost an 8 rounder to Soko (i can have a draw easy, or either by 1 round so not a robbery but fornicate i can name 15 guys that wont leave any doubt with Soko...). He cut fury, thats his resume.

[margaret thatcher]

nah, he was no more credible at all really, and he was defo still top 50 when wallin beat him. hell, probably he was a top 3 guy wilder beat . we have wallin in our forum top 15, he's in the boxrec computerized top 15, and he's in the premier boxing organization top 15 too. these are the only independent rankings i know of that do top 15, and he's in all of them. is that some conspiracy?

you care too much about the soko fight, which hardly anyone saw - even super hardcores barely commented on it.. wallin won it legit and guys look meh in those type of undercard stay busy fights all the time, only to perform to a higher level for a better opponent, like wallin did horribly cutting fury and hurting him (otto wallin caused serious problems for the world #1, it happened and cant just be erased). wallin was never in any danger of being stopped like wilder either.

he'd be a very sensible stay busy opponent if aj is waiting on usyk. hit and move southpaw, credible showing in horrifically cutting and also hurting the world number 1, history with big uk names, never been down. hell, i'd prefer a guy like joe joyce, but no problems with wallin

[margaret thatcher]

the only other southpaw (it doesnt have to be one, but its relevant) it could be for a stay busy fight would be ortiz, but despite being a southpaw he fights nothing like usyk, and is very much at the opposite end of foot speed

im not sure he's even better than wallin at this stage anyway

[Ruthless-RKO]

AJ’s new trainer is Angel Fernandez.

Angel has been AJ’s assistant coach the past 3 years.

[Coco]

AJ’s new trainer is Angel Fernandez.

Angel has been AJ’s assistant coach the past 3 years.

Awful choice, and they call Ben Davison Boxercise!!
Shows to me AJ is finished

[Counter-puncher]

AJ’s new trainer is Angel Fernandez.

Angel has been AJ’s assistant coach the past 3 years.

Haha what a clown show. Hopefully good old ‘BRILLIANT boxing AJ’ Joby will be in the corner to complete the comic effect. All they will need is the Keystone Cops theme

[Counter-puncher]

That interview with Angel, someone linked it on here, and there’s one with Joby somewhere too, they’re both so similar in their excruciating stench of bullsh1t and blag and flannel and fking puffing themselves up ‘NO TRAINERS WILL ALLOW ME IN THEIR GYM COS THEY ARE THREATENED BY MY AMAZING PAD SKILLS’, and then there’s the superb sh1t by Joby where he has this metaphysical appreciation of movement and biomechanics because of his intense study of the animal kingdom

Those are basically direct quotes, if any of you were thinking I was like exaggerating for comic effect. These two boys supply all the comedy you will need.

I hope they are really front and centre in the lead up to any fights. I can’t wait to sample some more of their unique esoteric wisdom and insights. Expect lots of stuff about going past the old methods, treating the fighter holistically, feng shui, cod psychology, new methods new AJ, and both of these repulsive chancers ecstatically extolling their amazing ‘connection’ with AJ, sprinkling the magic dust of their innovation and wisdom over their grateful, humble charge.

AJ camp is now must see television. The best it’s-funny-but-you-cringe-all-the-time show since The Office.

[Ruthless-RKO]

What was the point in going to all them famous gyms in the states etc.

[Counter-puncher]

And just think of the corner work between rounds if Angel and Joby are running the show

This is going to be epic

[Wee Tommy]

AJ is gone in the head. He’s set for life but he will never win another meaningful fight.

[KiwiRider]

Far out!
What is going on with him?

[deadpan]

That interview with Angel, someone linked it on here, and there’s one with Joby somewhere too, they’re both so similar in their excruciating stench of bullsh1t and blag and flannel and fking puffing themselves up ‘NO TRAINERS WILL ALLOW ME IN THEIR GYM COS THEY ARE THREATENED BY MY AMAZING PAD SKILLS’, and then there’s the superb sh1t by Joby where he has this metaphysical appreciation of movement and biomechanics because of his intense study of the animal kingdom

Those are basically direct quotes, if any of you were thinking I was like exaggerating for comic effect. These two boys supply all the comedy you will need.

I hope they are really front and centre in the lead up to any fights. I can’t wait to sample some more of their unique esoteric wisdom and insights. Expect lots of stuff about going past the old methods, treating the fighter holistically, feng shui, cod psychology, new methods new AJ, and both of these repulsive chancers ecstatically extolling their amazing ‘connection’ with AJ, sprinkling the magic dust of their innovation and wisdom over their grateful, humble charge.

AJ camp is now must see television. The best it’s-funny-but-you-cringe-all-the-time show since The Office.

Yeah but I bet AJ could throw a copper kettle over a pub, mate, Could you?

[deadpan]

That be some glazed eye nonsense. He looks like he did being stopped on his feet in Ruiz 1.
Something's wrong, d'you know what I'm trying' to say?

[stujones]

Far out!
What is going on with him?

Didn't think it was that bad - thought he'd definitely had a few pints, I detected a slight slur, but I assumed he'd had a couple of drinks.

[KiwiRider]

Far out!
What is going on with him?

Didn't think it was that bad - thought he'd definitely had a few pints, I detected a slight slur, but I assumed he'd had a couple of drinks.

It was more how jumbled what he was saying came out. Like blazin' blud.
You can have a few pints, a slight slur, and still make sense and not have to look to your crew to answer a simple question. Unless your blazin' blud.

[emallini]

That interview with Angel, someone linked it on here, and there’s one with Joby somewhere too, they’re both so similar in their excruciating stench of bullsh1t and blag and flannel and fking puffing themselves up ‘NO TRAINERS WILL ALLOW ME IN THEIR GYM COS THEY ARE THREATENED BY MY AMAZING PAD SKILLS’, and then there’s the superb sh1t by Joby where he has this metaphysical appreciation of movement and biomechanics because of his intense study of the animal kingdom

Those are basically direct quotes, if any of you were thinking I was like exaggerating for comic effect. These two boys supply all the comedy you will need.

I hope they are really front and centre in the lead up to any fights. I can’t wait to sample some more of their unique esoteric wisdom and insights. Expect lots of stuff about going past the old methods, treating the fighter holistically, feng shui, cod psychology, new methods new AJ, and both of these repulsive chancers ecstatically extolling their amazing ‘connection’ with AJ, sprinkling the magic dust of their innovation and wisdom over their grateful, humble charge.

AJ camp is now must see television. The best it’s-funny-but-you-cringe-all-the-time show since The Office.

Most of these new age guys are absolutely clueless and would get laughed out the gym by real boxing people. They are blagging it and guys like AJ are so dim they eat it up.

[Frostieballs]

Far out!
What is going on with him?

Didn't think it was that bad - thought he'd definitely had a few pints, I detected a slight slur, but I assumed he'd had a couple of drinks.

It was more how jumbled what he was saying came out. Like blazin' blud.
You can have a few pints, a slight slur, and still make sense and not have to look to your crew to answer a simple question. Unless your blazin' blud.

I think he’s just high on life!

[jamesmcdonnell]

AJ is gone in the head. He’s set for life but he will never win another meaningful fight.

I reckon he's on the nosebag.

Drunk and had a few lines.