Robert Garcia has been in Anthony Joshua's camp for 'a long period of time' according to Eddie Hearn

Anthony Joshua and Robert Garcia have been working together for ‘a long period of time’ ahead of his highly-anticipated rematch with Oleksandr Usyk, according to his promoter Eddie Hearn.

Joshua and Usyk are set to renew their rivalry in the summer, with July 23 the pencilled in date for their second dance.

The American, who is the older brother and long-time trainer of Mikey Garcia, has been drafted in as a coach and has kept it hush hush while secretly working alongside Angel Fernandez.

AJ, 32, has remained silent about his training camp arrangements up until this week when he made an official announcement confirming the news following an initial report from ESPN.

And while some have questioned the timing of his appointment, Hearn has moved to dissuade those fears.

Hearn told iFL TV: “He’s visited a lot of coaches, he’s spoke to a lot of people.

“He’s very happy with Angel in the corner as well, but wanted that bit of experience, wanted that bit of difference.

“He went through that process alone and came out with Robert Garcia who is one of the best trainers in the world.

“People talk about him just arriving into camp – Robert Garcia has been here a while, you know, backwards and forwards and for a long period of time.

“But AJ obviously felt now is the time that he should let the world know as we look to finalise the date and I think he’s going to be a fantastic addition to the corner and I truly believe AJ will win the fight against Usyk.

“With the momentum and confidence of someone like Robert Garcia, I think it’s going to put him in a great place.”

Hearn also reckons Joshua should employ the same tactics as Derek Chisora against the Ukrainian.

He revealed: “You’ve got to be smart, you can’t just go in and be