Former heavyweight champion, Anthony Joshua, has opened up about his current state, revealing that he had not split from his trainer Rob McCracken but was exploring the idea of expanding his team.

Following Joshua’s 12th-round loss to Oleksandr Usyk back in September, there were rumours that Joshua had dropped McCraken as his trainer. These rumours were further sparked after Joshua’s recent visit to the United States where he visited some gyms.

But the boxer has come out to dispute that. Speaking recently in an interview, when asked if he was still working with McCraken, Joshua said, “Yeah, and he has to speak to the people I may want to work with and see if he can work with them.” McCraken helped Joshua win an Olympic gold medal and two world title wins. Joshua said that he and McCraken always had mature discussions and they both understood each other.

On meeting up with other trainers while in the US, the British boxer said, “I need to go and get some new teachings from guys that have trained – Robert Garcia trained 13, 14 world champions. They’ve got so many generations of teachings. Virgil Hunter trained Andre Ward, a phenomenal fighter.

“I wanted to go around and be in an environment of fighters. Eddy Reynoso, ‘No boxing, no life.’ I love that saying.

“Canelo is obviously a phenomenal fighter. I watched him spar 12 rounds, asked certain questions. Ronnie Shields, another African American coach who has worked with the greats.”

Joshua also denied that he was planning to relocate his training camp to the U.S, saying instead that he just needs to keep learning. This is coming as he prepares for his rematch with Usyk next March.

Written by Leon Osamor