Coming through he was looking imperious. And I really thought those rounds against klitschko were going to help him take it up another gear. But I have to admit, I haven't been impressed with him since. Takam fight was boring, Joshua didn't seem to have any ideas other than club away at the dudes guard all night. When you have a guy like that it's time to get nasty in there. AJ didn't show any creativity. Then Parker, again I was unimpressed. It seemed a very nervy performance from Joshua, pushing out a jab all night, same thing over and over. I'm not really looking forward to the povetkin fight, I think we are just in for more of the same. I actually think the Klitschko fight took something out of him rather than improving him. I feel like the Joshua PRE klitschko would have legit stopped Takam and Parker. He was a lot more marauding and confident in his attacks. Idk
Gassing to the point of barely being able to stand, and coming within a hair of being violently KTFO, and needing about 5 rounds to get your bearings, can do that to a man.
I think he is now aware of his limitations and has changed his game to accomodate for his percieved weaknesses, just as Wlad did. What it boils down to is that in the modern era it's in Joshua's best interests to keep his precious 0 and without revising his style he may well have lost it already, as he was prone to gassing out and fading in the late rounds.
I dont have an issue with changing his style but he's going to have to sharpen up his backfoot game a LOT ig he's going that route. Personally I think he simply needed to lean up 10lbs or so and pace himself a bit better. He threw a LOT OF punches against Wlad when he gassed and was very heavy.
He could benefit from a new trainer. It's a shame there's no one like Emanuel Steward around because he turned Lennox into a monster heavyweight.
He's improving fight by fight as a boxer, but inevitably losing some of the risk taking traits that made his rise to the top such entertaining viewing. I think McCracken will be pleased with his evolution, whereas Sky may prefer Joshua 1.0
Klitschko was shot to hell. AJ was never that good. His 15 minutes will be over as soon as he fights a live body.
Yes indeed. The bodybuilder does appear to be more gunshy since that knockdown. Joshua even tried getting Klitschsko to be one of his trainers, so he could protect his chin, and perfect the art of holding on to his opponent. Deontay and the bomb squad see that vulnerability now. His days are numbered, it will only be a matter of time before the devastating bronze bomber has him staggered in the corner. And is teeing off on him with those wild windmills at will. It's almost over for him now, lol.
That's a pretty cool idea to employ Klitschko, especially now that Steward is gone. Might give Wlad something to keep busy with, too, rather than coming back and getting KO'd.
It means to have your reflexes age to the point where you can see the openings but can never longer pull the trigger. The very definition of Wlad from the Jennings fight on.
He may turn into Klitschko version 2 with a better inside game. His sheer size alone will make him difficult to beat. Who can beat him in today's era? Maybe Wilder has half a chance but no one else that I can think off.
He seems to be adopting Wlads safety first style of fighting and while it’s a smart style it’s not fan friendly. I think AJ has the potential I’m just not sure if he has the mental potential.
Rob Mcracken is a world class trainer. Obviously not as good as Stward but you'd be hard pressed to find better experienced british trainer.