Anthony Joshua close to announcing new trainer ahead of Usyk rematch
- Joe Hewlett
- 15 January 2022
Ronnie Shields and Eddy Reynoso are the two front-runners to become Joshua's new trainer...
Eddie Hearn has confirmed Anthony Joshua will announce his new trainer within weeks ahead of his rematch with Oleksandr Usyk.
Despite Rob McCracken being set to be replaced, he will still have a role in Joshua's camp, according to Hearn.
AJ is bidding to become a three-time heavyweight champion following defeat to Usyk in September.
The Ukrainian southpaw outpointed Joshua to become a two-division world titlist - just the third to unify at cruiserweight and win a world belt at heavyweight. The other two are Evander Holyfield and David Haye.
Ronnie Shields and Eddy Reynoso - Ring Magazine's 2021 Trainer of the Year - are the two coaches being linked with Joshua.
Hearn told
iFL TV: "I think AJ will make an announcement when camp starts, which I guess will be end of January, early February.
"But he's worked hard to get it right.
"A lot of people have said, 'do you think it's risky to bring in a new trainer?'
"I flip that and say, 'do you think it's risky to not be comfortable with your setup or your surroundings?'"
When asked if McCracken would be involved in some capacity, Hearn was full of praise for the Team GB chief.
"He'll always be involved in some way," the Matchroom chief continued. "He's more than just a trainer to Anthony Joshua… he's a mentor, an advisor.
"Those two will always talk - in what capacity, I don't know. I'll leave that to AJ to announce.
"But there will certainly be additions to the training team."
