EXCLUSIVE: Anthony Joshua ‘completely disconnected’ from the world during his training camp in Dallas – reveals coach Derrick James – and completely cut off from social media ahead of Saturday’s fight with Jermaine Franklin
Derrick James said Anthony Joshua was “completely detached” from the world and avoided social media during his training camp in Dallas.
Joshua will return to the ring on Saturday night to face Jermaine Franklin after losing to Oleksandr Usyk for the second time in August 2022 – having lost the WBA, WBO and IBF belts to the Ukrainian in September 2021.
There is an enormous amount of pressure on AJ heading into the fight – many calling for him to hang up his gloves if he gets hit by Franklin.
However, Joshua’s coach is confident the 33-year-old can emerge victorious after breaking up with online negativity.
Joshua traveled to Texas to train under his new coach, James, after parting ways with Robert Garcia after his second straight loss to the Ukrainian.
Anthony Joshua (left) is set to take on American Jermaine Franklin (right) on Saturday
Joshua’s trainer, Derek James, revealed that the Brit ‘completely disconnected’ from the world during his training camp in Dallas – completely isolating himself from the negativity on social media.
Eddie Hearn described Joshua’s camp in Dallas as “modest” and insisted that a “barebones lifestyle” would be the secret to his success.
James was inclined to agree and said that Joshua’s decision to leave the UK and train in Dallas was “brilliant”.
Talking to sportsmail At Wednesday’s press conference, James said: “He’s completely disconnected (from social media and the news).
He was in Dallas but didn’t interact with the city at all. It was perfect for him. He did an amazing job.
Speaking to Sportsmail earlier in the week, Hearn described Joshua’s camp as “modest” and explained that traveling to Dallas was the best thing for him.
“This camp was very different from the others,” Hearn said. They are chalk and cheese. It really is God at EIS (England Institute of Sport).
He is an Olympic gold medalist and has changed the face of British boxing and they roll out the red carpet every day for him in training.
Promoter Eddie Hearn described Joshua’s training camp in Dallas as “modest” – and insisted that a “barebones lifestyle” would help the Brit beat Franklin on Saturday night.
He didn’t want to, but it became the way. This camp was very different. It was a very modest house. He had only a couple of friends and men in the camp.
Then it was with Derek James. one boss. It was in a very modest gym. Very small gym. It was just 1v1 with last year’s coach.
Meanwhile, James went on to talk about Joshua’s boot camp, saying, “I think it was great.
The work ethic was really great. I think this is one of the main things. How hard we work in the gym. How much did we push in the gym.
Joshua is looking to make a statement at ‘Lions Den’ and score his first professional win since December 2020 when he beat Kubrat Pulev via TKO.
However, James said he is not upset about the knockdown. AJ’s coach said he was focused on getting the win and insisted he didn’t bother about Franklin’s flooring.
However, fans will be looking for something amazing from Joshua this weekend.
The British boxer is seeking a comeback after losing to Oleksandr Usyk
Joshua spoke about the pressure he’s under during a press event on Monday.
He said, “It comes with business and it comes with territory, and I know that.”
Joshua continued, “I know when I retire, I’m going to feel great. I will think of everyone. I have finished.
You put a lot of pressure on me, so when I’m done, the chains will be gone. I will laugh and love life.
