JAKARTA British heavyweight boxer Anthony Joshua (AJ) officially announced Adrian James as his new coach ahead of the duel against Jermaine Franklin in April.
AJ previously separated from Robert Garcia, the coach who replaced Rob McCracken, shortly after a consecutive second defeat to Oleksandr Usyk last August.
The boxer from Watford is looking for a new coach in America since the defeat and has worked with James. The coach of Errol Spence and Jermell Charlo was later confirmed as his coach during the announcement of Franklin's duel.
"Anthony Joshua (24-3, 22 KO) will fight in The O2, London, for the first time since 2016. He started his new life under the guidance of new coachdad James," reads a press release quoted by The Sun.
Joshua and Franklin are scheduled to board on April 1 nearest. This fight is Joshua's first since suffering successive defeats to Usyk and third in his professional career.
The announcement of the duel with Franklin was not so surprising. The reason was that before that, these two fighters were seen together in several moments in photos circulating on social media.
"I want to show my best and make my coach impressed because he has high standards. Franklin has a good fighting style and good attitude that he has shown in recent matches," said Joshua.
"Mentally and physically I feel ready. I can't wait to step back in the ring on April 1," he added.
Meanwhile, Franklin, who is currently 29 years old, said that fighting Joshua was an opportunity for him to take his place at the top of the heavyweight division.
"Joshua has lived his time. This is my time to surprise the world! This fight is not going to end in the hands of the jury. It's not a April Mop joke," he said.
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