Anthony Joshua confirms new head trainer ahead of Jermaine Franklin comeback fight

Anthony Joshua has confirmed he has a new trainer in his corner ahead of his comeback boxing fight.

The former world heavyweight champion has now officially appointed Derrick James as his main coach ahead of his April bout with Jermaine Franklin. James is the trainer of unified WBA, WBC and IBF welterweight world champion, Errol Spence and undisputed WBA, WBC, IBF and WBO super welterweight king, Jermell Charlo.

The 33-year-old was looking for a fresh perspective following back-to-back defeats to Ukraine’s Oleksandr Usyk. AJ spent a large portion of his career with Robert McCracken as his trainer, before opting to part ways with him in 2021 after his first loss to the reigning WBA, IBF, and WBO heavyweight champion.

After flying to America to search for a new coach, Joshua decided to link up with Robert Garcia and brought him to the UK to prepare for the second bout with Usyk. But after another crushing loss to the same opponent, AJ opted once again to trial different trainers before landing on James as his preferred choice.

READ MORE: Anthony Joshua won’t fight on PPV for first time in eight years when he makes comeback

The Brit was demoralised after failing to win back his WBA, WBO and IBF world heavyweight titles from Usyk last summer, and took a break from the sport as a result. But a refreshed and recharged AJ will contest a bout with Franklin at London’s O2 Arena.

“I am looking forward to stepping back into the ring on April 1st at The O2 London.” said Joshua. “Mentally and physically I feel ready. I want to put on a show and impress my coach as he has high standards.” This is a must win fight for AJ as he looks to reassert himself in a competitive heavyweight division.

“Franklin has a good style & great attitude, which he has shown in recent fights,” he added. “This will be my first fight broadcast on DAZN in the UK and will be globally available on the platform. I want to thank DAZN for supporting both myself and the sport of boxing as a whole. I would also like to thank the team at 258 and Matchroom Boxing.”

Franklin meanwhile, who trained alongside Tyson Fury in the build-up to his showdown with Dillian Whyte last November, will be no easy task for AJ. The 29-year-old lost his last encounter against ‘The Body Snatcher’ and will be relishing the chance to get on the winning trail with a win over the Watford local.

“I’m ready to show the world why it’s time for me to take my place at the top of the Heavyweight division,” said Franklin. “Joshua had his time. It’s my time to shock the world! This fight isn’t going to the judge’s card. I will have win number 22 come April 1. That ain’t no April Fool’s joke.”

AJ’s comeback fight will not be broadcast on a UK PPV TV channel – the first time this has happened in eight years. The bout will be shown on the sports streaming service DAZN, and will be included in the £9.99 per month subscription.

This fight will be the first in Joshua’s new five-year partnership with DAZN to be streamed live and worldwide on the ever-growing digital sports entertainment platform.

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