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Should Anthony Joshua Switch Trainers and Join Team Canelo?

Published 10/20/2021, 8:05 AM EDT

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On September 25, Oleksandr Usyk completely dominated Anthony Joshua for 12 straight rounds. The manner in which he lost showed that there were clear faults and gaps in his game plan.

Trainer Rob McCracken and others in his corner even praised AJ in between rounds, even when he was down on the scorecards. This triggered a conversation on Twitter and other social media. Fans suggested that Anthony Joshua should consider switching camps and trainers for the rematch with Usyk.

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AJ has defended his trainer on multiple occasions in the past; however, it seems Joshua is now determined to take big steps to get his heavyweight throne back.

Recent social media updates show that Joshua has been making moves across the chessboard. Along with some other famous gyms, AJ was recently also pictured with Canelo Alvarez at Eddy Reynoso’s gym in San Diego.

Joshua visiting top trainers Stateside is not part of usual everyday affairs. However, does this mean he’s finally switching teams? And, if so, should he really pair up with Team Canelo to beat Usyk in the rematch?

Can Team Canelo help Anthony Joshua beat Usyk in the rematch?

Should Anthony Joshua join hands with the best trainer in the game, Eddy Reynoso, and some of the top fighters under the Team Canelo umbrella? Before we can land on that answer, it is important to understand how Reynoso can help Joshua.

When Oleksandr Usyk completely dominated the Englishman on September 25, it became clear that AJ had major loopholes in his game plan. He seemed hesitant to use his power and failed to capitalize on his height, reach and size advantage.

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Being the taller and heavier fighter, his go-to approach should have been to not let Usyk gain control at any point. However, the Ukrainian’s awkward southpaw movement was clearly a bit much for him to handle.

If AJ trains with Reynoso, he would be able to unlock unused weapons in his arsenal; chances are that he would learn how to use his jab more effectively, land smarter combinations, and even counter Usyk’s awkward southpaw movement.

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Joshua will definitely have to use his height, weight, size, and reach more effectively in the rematch. This could seriously put Usyk to the test, who is much lighter in weight and shorter in height and reach.

Simply put, Team Canelo could help Joshua turn his game around; hit more, and not get hit as much as he did in the first fight.

So, a move to the San Deigo gym where Canelo Alvarez trains could be a smart move for Anthony Joshua. AJ has the skills and the power, he simply needs proper and better guidance. With Reynoso in the corner, Oleksandr Usyk could be in for some significant changes in Joshua’s approach.

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Written by:

Sanjit Misra

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Sanjit Misra is a boxing author at EssentiallySports. Sanjit fused his passion for writing with his love for jabs, hooks, and uppercuts and entered the realm of boxing journalism. The elegance, the sweet science, and the finesse of hand-to-hand combat was what initially drew him into the world of boxing.
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