Anthony Joshua is effusive about his time so far working with trainer du jour Derrick James.
He can’t say the same for his previous coach, Robert Garcia.
In a recent interview, staged after the official announcement of Joshua’s Aug. 12 fight against Dillian Whyte at the O2 Arena in London, the former heavyweight champion sung the praises of his current coach while saying less than complimentary things about his last one.
Joshua linked up with Dallas, Texas-based James after losing his second straight fight to unified champion Oleksandr Usyk last year. The two saw action together for the first time earlier this spring, when Joshua defeated Michigan heavyweight contender Jermaine Franklin by unanimous decision. James is also the trainer of undisputed 154-pound champion Jermell Charlo, unified 147-pound champion Errol Spence Jr., and lightweight star Ryan Garcia.
Joshua had employed Garcia as an assistant leading into the second fight with Usyk. Most fans and observers thought Joshua fought better the second time around, giving credit to Garcia, who has made a name in the sport for his offensive-minded tactics.
But Joshua and Garcia no longer appear to be on good terms. Immediately after the fight, Garcia offered critical remarks to an outlet about Joshua, suggesting his charge gave up in the late rounds.
“I recall when I was training for Usyk, and I had Robert Garcia on board,” Joshua told talkSPORT. “The fight date kept getting pushed back and the general conversation in the Usyk camp was ‘we need this fight to happen soon, because we don’t want AJ to spend as much time as possible with Robert Garcia.’ In my mind I was, like, I didn’t feel like I was being taught anything, so I didn’t think it mattered if I spent a year [with him], I was still going to do my thing anyway.
“With Derrick James, I soak up every second that I’m in that gym with him. Whether I am successful or not, Derrick James is the truth. As his own individual person, Derrick James is the truth. The time spent with him is very, very valuable.”
Sean Nam is the author of Murder on Federal Street: Tyrone Everett, the Black Mafia, and the Last Golden Age of Philadelphia Boxing.