Former world champion and current boxing columnist
streaming DAZN American Chris Elgieri explained why US coach Robert Garcia is an excellent choice for British heavyweight Anthony Joshua (24-2, 22 KOs) ahead of his rematch with Ukrainian Oleksandr Usyk (19-0, 13 KOs).
It’s funny that quite recently, the same Elgieri talked about why Joshua made a mistake in choosing a new coach before the rematch with Usyk. It’s simple – then he paid more attention to the disadvantages of this cooperation, and now he focuses on the pros. The expert argues sensibly and consistently, see for yourself.
“I was surprised when I learned about this collaboration, —
Algieri says. “After all, Robert is not a heavyweight specialist. There are almost none in his room. But the more I think about it, the more I see meaning in this cooperation. And I know Robert firsthand. He doesn’t just understand boxing. He very subtly notices small details, which then make a difference. And he has something special. When he talks to you, you feel complete trust in him, you believe that he will take you to a new level, he will do what is necessary. Do you understand what I mean? On paper, this is not the best choice. But I know this person personally, so I look from a different angle.
“How realistic is it to change the style in one camp? asks Algieri the right questions. – It’s possible. But it’s very, very difficult. Especially when it comes to a mature fighter like Joshua. And here it is important whether Garcia’s professionalism and Joshua’s athleticism can connect. And mental preparation is important, as well as semantics. Anthony must not only understand Robert perfectly, but completely trust him. If there is any problem in their communication, then expect trouble.
On Joshua’s rematch: “People expect Garcia to turn Anthony into heavyweight Brandon Rios for some reason. That skating rink once walked in light weight, was a monster. The conventional wisdom is that Joshua should fight like that because “he’s bigger, stronger” and all that. I probably don’t agree. I don’t think that’s Joshua’s style. I do not think that he is also as persistent and hardy as Rios. But I still believe that Joshua is a great fighter and a great puncher. You can’t box with Usyk – that way he will definitely lose. In the ring with a Ukrainian, you need to be a boxer-puncher. And Joshua is a natural puncher, he just needs to get that back.”
Algieri believes that Robert can do the job, as “he was a great boxer-puncher himself, very smart and calculating. He didn’t fight like Rios. He looked more like Mikey Garcia’s brother. And if you use this approach, then on the eve of a rematch with Usyk, the appointment of Robert seems to be an almost perfect move from Anthony.
Joshua lost to Usyk in September in London (England) and lost his WBA Super, IBF and WBO championship belts. The rematch will take place on August 20 in Jeddah (Saudi Arabia).
Yesterday, Chisora’s trainer revealed how Joshua would beat Usyk. Meanwhile, the Ukrainian is sparring with might and main: the sensational African helps Alexander prepare for revenge.
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