Joshua describes ‘back to basics’ strategy ahead of Franklin clash

Anthony Joshua. Photo/facebook/anthonyjoshuaboxer

• Joyce calls Hearn ‘Pinocchio’ over AJ claim Anthony Joshua believes he has benefitted from going ‘back to basics’ with new trainer Derrick James, reports www.dazn.com.

Joshua has moved onto a new training setup after back-to-back defeats against Oleksandr Usyk and ahead of an April 1 clash with Jermaine Franklin, he is mainly operating from Texas after he had been expected to relocate to the United States ahead of a comeback.

The fight with Franklin will be shown live on DAZN, and speaking to the streaming service, he discussed how he has adjusted his preparation.

“I don’t see much of Texas to be honest. I’ve liked the United States more and more. I’m not saying I’ll move there but I’ll probably spend more and more time outside of the UK,” he began.

“There’s a whole world out there.” Promoter Eddie Hearn has suggested Joshua could now fight three times this year, and the former champion has no problem with that idea.

He said: “That’s very easy, but it’s the expectation, because of the situation – look at the undisputed – it’s nice to have a date set so you can work towards what’s next. I think three fights is easy, to be honest.

“In terms of rebuild, let (me) have some time to fight without the pressure, but let me not forget this guy, Jermaine Franklin, is working in the trenches. It’s silly of me to come in with that mindset (that I will definitely win.)

Discussing his new trainer he added: “Why Derrick? On the search for greatness, thanking God, my direction and hopefully it works out.

“It was a natural progression. It’s nice, you know: what do you need to do as a boxer? Skip, shadow box, hit the heavy bags, hit the mitts and spar, but with intention. I was looking for