Anthony Joshua has pulled in some boxing giants to help him prepare for his career-defining rematch with Oleksandr Usyk later this year. AJ lost his titles to the Ukrainian in a shock defeat in September, but has the chance to take them back with a second bout set to take place at some point in 2022.
In truth, the Briton was outclassed by his opponent when they met at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Usyk looked the superior boxer, and his dominance was rewarded with a unanimous points victory once the final bell had rang.
Joshua lost his WBA, WBO, ABF and IBO world heavyweight titles for the second time, after an even bigger surprise when he lost to Andy Ruiz Jr in 2019.
He made light work of the rematch that time, and will hope for a similar result in his second meeting with Usyk – though that bout is unlikely to be as easy.
AJ’s boxing future is potentially on the line, as a second defeat could end his hopes of becoming a world champion again in the future.
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And now WBO cruiserweight champion Lawrence Okolie has become the latest man to spar with AJ at his training camp.
Footage of the pair was shared on social media by the boxing duo’s friend Napper.
Joshua says he is so deep in his training because it is the only way he can healthily vent his anger over the agonising defeat to Usyk in his own back yard.
He also says he has had to make changes to the way he works, but vowed he had more to give the next time he steps into the ring with the Ukrainian.
“I had to make changes. If you remain the same, you get the same results. I’ve got to look at myself, I can only be accountable for me,” he told the BBC.
“I’m angry at myself and the only way I can be in a better place is to get myself right by going out there and performing.
“It’s going to be like this for a few months. I do things with a smile on my face, but behind that, there’s a lot of tension brewing and the only way to get it out is by training and performing.
“I know I can be better than that night. It’s easier to say than it is to do, but within my heart and soul, my brain and body, I truly feel I’ve got a lot more to give.
“I’m angry. It’s growing, but it’s fuelling me every day.”
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