Anthony Joshua Declares Angel Fernandes As His New Head Trainer

By Boxing News - 03/06/2022 - Comments

Daniele D’Alessio – In a recent interview with Behind The Gloves, former unified heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua has declared Angel Fernandes as his new head trainer.

“Angel Fernandes right now, he’s been in my camp for the last three years anyway, he’s been at the last three of my world championships”

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Since losing to Oleksandr Usyk back in September 2021 in convincing fashion, many questioned whether Joshua needed to make changes to his team.

AJ lost a 12 round unanimous decision against the former undisputed cruiserweight champion and was criticised for trying to outbox him, instead of using his distinct physical advantages.

Britain’s Olympic head coach, Robert McCracken, came under fire after he seemingly gave the wrong instructions to AJ against Usyk.

Matchroom promoter Eddie Hearn also admitted that the incorrect tactics were used and changes needed to be made.

“He has to make changes and impose his style to win the rematch or he will lose again”.

This led Joshua to go searching for new training opportunities in the US and visited the likes of Eddie Reynoso, Virgil Hunter, Ronnie Shields, and Robert Garcia. Besides, getting in contact with highly-rated UK trainer Shane McGuigan.

However, Joshua has ultimately decided to promote Fernandes who will prepare him for his next bout.

Fernandes was added to AJ’s team back in 2019 after suffering a shock defeat to Andy Ruiz Jr. Alongside McCracken he helped Joshua avenge his loss against Ruiz Jr and then beat Kubrat Pulev in 2020 via a 9th round knockout.

With the ongoing situation in Ukraine, it is unclear whether a rematch between AJ and Usyk will happen this year as the Ukrainian has opted to fight for his country in the war against Russia.

Regardless, AJ made it clear in the same interview that he is open to an interim fight to stay active, including a rematch with Joseph Parker.

“Yeah, I’ll fight no problem, I’ll fight Joseph Parker, I’ll fight whoever, whenever, it’s only a fight, I’ll fight 100%”.

Meanwhile, fellow domestic rivals Tyson Fury and Dillian Whyte are scheduled to fight on April 23rd with the WBC heavyweight championship on the line.