Good point. It's funny because I saw a dead ringer of Tony Bellew singing Elvis on A League of Their Own on Sky the other day too.
Whatever you think of him, the reason he lost isn’t because he’s a crappy fighter, it’s because it was a horrible game plan. He’s so powerful these days that’s it’s not beyond the realm of possibility that he wanted to fight that way, but more realistically that’s what trainers get paid for.
I’ve seen pictures of him around different gyms, to be fair McCracken does a lot with the Olympians and I imagine Team GB pays his full time monthly salary whereas AJ will only pay him when he fights - which in 2020 and 2021 has only been once each year. AJ may feel he isn’t getting his full attention. I think McCracken is a great trainer and probably the best fit for AJ about at the moment. He worked really well with Froch and some of his game plans were brilliant (given Froch liked blocking punches with his nose) but AJ has to do what gives him his confidence back, which he clearly lost at MSG.
He needs to do whatever it takes to overcome his mental issues, the scars of the Ruiz fight are still there The best trigger for that is a new camp, new environment and new trainer. He needs something to snap him out of this cautious nervous wreck who looks scared when getting hit. A new trainer doesnt even need to improve him, just get his mindset right.
I'm with Carl Froch on this one.. AJ needs to shrink that group around him, he needs to cut off all those hangers on and have a single voice in the corner.
This content is protected These two NAIL IT. AJ just hasn't got that certain something, maybe that's why he is in America, Wizard Of Oz style, looking for a heart.
If Joshua had 10% of Froch’s toughness,engine and will to win to he would still be unbeaten,as well as the fact Froch would also travel anywhere to get the big fights.
Rob McKracken's achievements speak for themselves. He's clearly a superb coach. I may be one of the few here impressed by his work in Ruiz JR 2. I thought Joshua boxed beautifully that night. Disciplined, tight, technically sound. Didn't give his opponent a chance for just about the entire fight. There's a danger when a big name fighter loses that he and his team look around for someone else to blame and the trainer is an easy target. Obviously the Usyk performance wasn't good enough, even allowing for the excellence of the opponent. I thought Joshua was too timid and trying to outbox one of the world' best didn't seem like the best use of the reach and power advantages. I have to say when they cut to the corner in the Usyk fight I didn't get the feeling that here was a boxer and trainer of one mind. RM was giving detailed instructions, he must know AJ better than anyone, but it seemed from the outside too much for a visibly tired fighter to take in. I think it's Virgil Hunter who says he picks three things and only says those, because the chances of anything else sticking are minimal. However, what do I know, maybe AJ picked up on all of it but couldn't execute for some reason? Joshua has to do what's best for him and that may mean seeking out a new voice. He should however if he is leaving be upfront with Rob Mc and make sure he makes clear what a contribution he's made to his career.
Unfortunately for AJ usyk will always be his bogeyman. He’s like a heavyweight Andre ward, unorthodox counterpuncher, throws a lot and doesn’t waste much, good engine and chin who is quick too! If I was in his team I’d be advising him to not take the rematch but I guess there is too much money to be made.