I think they should involve Wlad in the preparation for rematch, but not as a trainer - as advisor. Wlad handled super quick-handed guys like Haye and Ibragimiv very well. In very boring fights, yes, but a win is a win. Wlad can teach AJ how to use his jab more effectively and how to hold.
Ah right. I heard he was helping behind the scenes, but wasn’t Joshua’s full time trainer. I know he was with Joshua through the amateurs.
He didnt do anything McCracken was telling him to do on Saturday night so im guessing Joshua didnt do anything they had been training on doing. Had he done any of that or if he was in a position to do any of that (if you believe the concussion or panic attack theories) we could of seen a very different fight. Maybe not, maybe the rematch will be a repeat performance anyway. I like to see Boxers have a change of trainer or 2 throughout their careers but im not sure now is the right time to do it for AJ, with everything up in the air after that big loss and alot of pressure being placed on him in the rematch that saves his status as a top dog im not sure a chance of coaching team that will chance the dynamic of what he is comfortable with is good timing. Id wait to see how this rematch goes, if it doesnt go well then maybe then would be the perfect time for a change up.
Agree, but when you look at his lack of significant development over his career, that's either talent-deficit or poor training. And champions need to be ruthless. Loyalty is to be admired. It might also pay dividends but, I dunno if RM is the right type of trainer. I recall watching a clip of Froch sparring for Groves II. He let his hands go at close quarters and then took a step back. RM stopped the action and implored 'stay in there, go again'. Soon after, again Froch unloaded... 'stay, go again'.... and he did. Once more RM implored him to stand his ground and trade. That's fine when you have a iron chin, but not so great with suspect whiskers. Joshua got his KD of Ruiz by doing exactly this, staying close and trading... twice he adjusted his feet to stay right in Ruiz's chest. Of course, it worked in that instant but as soon as Ruiz was back on his feet AJ 'went again' and stayed in range trading. We know what happened. Every trainer has a core style. They might adapt it for specific fighters or fights, but they have core values and RM is a very attack-minded trainer, and AJ attacks brilliantly. Problem is the defence and adjusting when hurt or struggling tactically, and dealing with a fighter prepared to punch with him. It would seem RM has failed to teach AJ how to use his physical advantages to defend when he can't dictate. He's had six years coaching Joshua and still he fights off the back foot like a novice.
AJ is very loyal and that's admirable, but he needs to realize that if he loses again that's really really bad. He might only have 5 good years left while McCracken has 20 more as a trainer, he can still have success with other fighters. Joshua has to make the best of the time he has at the top level(which is not alot for most pro athletes in general) and should probably drop him. The sport really misses Emanuel Steward RIP
A few exceptions are out there but the flaws were different for the boxers. Garcia helped Maidana BOX more as he already had heart. Wolfe helped Kirkland with discipline AJ just made the mistake of not boxing at range
I think Joe Gallagher would be the best fit for AJ from the UK. He would discipline him to box and calm down his aggression - like he did with Callum.
Banks is very laid back guy and even Wlad wasn't listening to him. As for Wlad - yes, I have to agree. Probably not as his head trainer, but as an advisor.