Anthony Joshua has refused to discuss his trainer situation after linking up with Ben Davison for his December fight against Otto Wallin.
Joshua will take on Wallin on a star-studded show in Saudi Arabia on 23 December, sharing the bill with Deontay Wilder who fights former world champion Joseph Parker.
The 2012 Olympian has fought twice in 2023, recording a points win over Jermaine Franklin in April before a vicious knockout of Robert Helenius in August.
At the start of the year, Joshua partnered up with a third trainer in two years in Derrick James, moving his training camp over to the US to work with the highly-respected coach whose stable of fighters includes Errol Spence Jr, Jermell Charlo and Ryan Garcia. The latter is currently in camp with James for his fight against Oscar Duarte on 2 December.
The Daily Star reported this week that due to logistical reasons, James will not be training Joshua for his December showdown against Wallin with Davison stepping in. Coincidentally, Davison was the man in Tyson Fury’s corner when he fought the Swedish heavyweight five years ago.
Joshua was seen working the pads with Davison after Wednesday’s press conference unveiling December’s card. But speaking to reporters backstage, Joshua said: ‘I don’t want to talk about trainers.’
Joshua has made a string of changes behind the scenes in recent years. After turning professional with Rob McCracken, the man who also guided him through Team GB, the 33-year-old parted ways with his long-term trainer following his defeat to Oleksandr Usyk in 2021.
Robert Garcia was brought in for the rematch a year later having also retained Angel Fernandez as part of his team. Joshua put in a much-improved performance in that second fight with the Ukrainian but still walked away defeated. Joshua and Garcia would split before the end of that year.
While James remains Joshua’s head trainer, Eddie Hearn revealed earlier this month that Davison has worked with AJ in a minor capacity ‘for the last few fights’.
While James remains Joshua’s head trainer, Eddie Hearn revealed earlier this month that Davison has worked with AJ in a minor capacity ‘for the last few fights’.
‘Ben’s been a small part of the team for the last few fights. They get on very well and whilst he’s in the UK he would train with Ben,’ Hearn said.
‘Derrick James at the moment remains the coach, happy with him, couple of performances and building on that. So no change in that respect.
‘Ben’s been working behind the scenes a little bit with AJ tactically on the last few fights. They get on very well. He’s a fantastic coach and I think AJ feels comfortable, whilst he’s in the UK, working with Ben.’
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