Anthony Joshua reveals the areas in which he had to improve

As Anthony Joshua stood in the center of the ring, waiting for the judges to announce their decision following his rematch with Oleksandr Usyk, his expression was a mixture of exhaustion and tension. The stakes were high for the two-time unified heavyweight champion, who had invested everything he had into this fight. The moment the announcement came through that Joshua had failed to reclaim his titles from the exceptionally skilled Ukrainian, it triggered a profound emotional response from the heavyweight.

 

In the chaotic aftermath of the bout, Joshua’s frustration boiled over. He was seen confronting Usyk, questioning how the smaller but extraordinarily talented fighter had managed to defeat him. Joshua’s declaration, “I don’t care about being strong, I have to have skills. Being strong doesn’t win boxing,” seemed like an impulsive reaction at the time. However, this moment of raw honesty was more than just a fleeting outburst; it was the beginning of a critical period of reflection and transformation for Joshua.

 

Taking those revelations to heart, Joshua embarked on an eight-month hiatus from the sport. This break was not just a pause in his career but a period of intense personal and professional reinvention. Over the next sixteen months, Joshua, now 34 years old, devoted himself to reimagining his approach to boxing. He meticulously analyzed his performance, sought to enhance his skills, and ultimately aimed to become a more rounded and versatile fighter.

 

Joshua’s journey of self-improvement took him across different training environments and coaching styles. He began his comeback under the guidance of Derrick James in Texas, where he focused on fine-tuning his abilities. James, known for his expertise in developing fighters, played a pivotal role in preparing Joshua for his initial comeback fights. Under this new regimen, Joshua secured victories over Jermaine Franklin and Robert Helenius. These wins were critical in rebuilding Joshua’s confidence and reestablishing his place in the heavyweight division.

 

Joshua’s next phase of training led him to Ben Davison’s Performance Centre in Harlow. This change marked a significant step in Joshua’s evolution as a fighter. Working with Davison, Joshua prepared for and achieved decisive victories over Otto Wallin and Francis Ngannou. The victories over Wallin and Ngannou were particularly noteworthy. Joshua’s performance against Ngannou, a former MMA champion, was especially impressive. The ease with which Joshua dispatched Ngannou, knocking him out in the second round, was a testament to his renewed confidence and refined skills.

 

Joshua himself views the Ngannou fight as a crucial benchmark in his career. Despite Ngannou’s impressive performance against Tyson Fury, where he managed to push the WBC champion to the limit, Joshua’s quick and decisive victory over Ngannou demonstrated his improved boxing acumen. Joshua acknowledged Ngannou’s formidable presence, referring to him as a “juggernaut,” and noted that relying solely on strength would have made the fight more challenging. Instead, Joshua’s development of his boxing intelligence and overall skill set allowed him to handle the fight with greater ease.

 

Reflecting on his journey, Joshua emphasized the importance of not just physical strength but also the need for strategic and technical proficiency. “I always look at the Ngannou fight. He was massive, and I thought to myself if I only depended on strength it would have been a lot tougher fight. But due to the fact that I went through a process where I tried to improve my I.Q, I was able to dispatch Goliath in quick fashion,” Joshua explained. He went on to express his respect for Ngannou’s performance against Fury, recognizing that Ngannou had shown significant skill and determination.

 

As Joshua prepares for his upcoming fight against IBF heavyweight champion Daniel Dubois, he does so with the belief that he is a more complete fighter than ever before. At 34 years old and with a record of 28 wins and 3 losses, including 25 knockouts, Joshua feels confident in his ability to compete at the highest level. His transformation over the past sixteen months is a testament to his dedication and resilience.

 

Joshua’s journey from a period of intense self-reflection and reinvention to his current state of readiness illustrates the dynamic nature of his career. As he steps into the ring to face Dubois, the culmination of his hard work and strategic development will be on display, marking a new chapter in the storied career of one of boxing’s most prominent figures.