Anthony Joshua Has Not Split With Rob McCracken, Says Hearn

Anthony Joshua toured the United States in recent days following his unanimous decision loss to Oleksandr Usyk contemplating advice from a cavalcade of coaches. 

The former heavyweight champion is currently trained by longtime coach Rob McCracken, but after suffering his second loss in two years, this time to Oleksandr Usyk in September, he has since sought the services from some of the top trainers in the sport, including Eddy Reynoso, Robert Garcia, Ronnie Shields and Virgil Hunter.

Eddie Hearn, who has a lifetime promotional pact with Joshua (24-2, 22 KOs), offered insight into how the most prized pugilist on his Matchroom Boxing roster is thinking about his training situation. 

“He hasn’t split from Rob McCracken, he hasn’t decided that he’s going to join another trainer,” Hearn told IFL. “I think he’s just trying to learn, he’s trying to look at his setup, trying to look at ways to improve and he’s working.

“He’s out there, putting the work in now every day getting ready for the rematch [against Usyk]. He knows he must win this fight. It’s just a case of taking in information. That wasn’t the reason for the trip. It wasn’t, ‘I’m going to America to find a new trainer. It was just, ‘I want some time away.’ He chilled out a little bit. He went to a couple of gyms.

“It wasn’t to go meet different trainers. It had more to do with the setup of where he trains as well. Does he need a new environment to train? Does he need a new energy, I suppose. He’s making sure he’s in the position to win this fight, and he’ll leave no stone unturned.” 

After being outlanded 148 to 123 in a spirited unanimous decision loss to Usyk (19-0, 13 KOs),  Joshua has since exercised his contractual right to a rematch, a fight that could take place as soon as March in the UK, according to Hearn. 

Manouk Akopyan is a sports journalist, writer and broadcast reporter. He’s also a member of the Boxing Writers Association of America and MMA Journalists Association. He can be reached on Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn and YouTube at @ManoukAkopyan, via email at manouk[dot]akopyan[at]gmail.com or on www.ManoukAkopyan.com