Hasim Rahman Urges Anthony Joshua to Seek New Trainer from a Familiar Rival
Former heavyweight champion Hasim Rahman has weighed in on Anthony Joshua’s current career trajectory, offering a bold suggestion for the British heavyweight’s next move: seek training from a former in-ring rival. Rahman, who knows the pressures of competing at the highest levels of boxing, believes Joshua’s current performance lacks the sharpness and aggression that once defined his ascent to the top. In his view, the solution may lie with someone who once shared the ring with him — an old foe who knows Joshua inside out.
A Career in Transition
Anthony Joshua, a two-time unified heavyweight champion, has been navigating through a transitional phase in his career after losing his belts to Oleksandr Usyk and then defeating him in a rematch that did not fully satisfy many critics. Although Joshua recently returned to winning ways with a knockout of Robert Helenius, there remains a sense that his performances have lacked the confidence and dominance that marked his early career.
Rahman, who famously knocked out Lennox Lewis in 2001 to become the heavyweight champion, believes Joshua could benefit from a new trainer to bring fresh insights and sharpen his strategy.
A Surprising Rivalry: Wladimir Klitschko
The surprising name Rahman has floated as Joshua’s potential trainer is none other than Wladimir Klitschko, the long-reigning heavyweight champion who fought Joshua in an unforgettable bout in 2017. Joshua emerged victorious in an 11th-round knockout after a back-and-forth war that saw both men hit the canvas. Rahman’s reasoning? Klitschko has a deep understanding of Joshua’s strengths and weaknesses, having faced them firsthand.
Rahman commented, “Klitschko knows what it’s like to face a hungry, powerful Anthony Joshua. He’s felt the power, but he’s also seen how to exploit certain flaws. Who better to bring him back to his best form than someone who fought him in the ring?”
Why Klitschko?
Wladimir Klitschko dominated the heavyweight division for over a decade before retiring in 2017. Known for his clinical technique, disciplined approach, and tactical genius, Klitschko’s experience could provide Joshua with the kind of expertise that would refine his skill set, particularly in terms of ring generalship and defensive strategy. Joshua has been criticized in recent years for becoming too cautious in the ring, and a trainer like Klitschko could reignite his aggressive style while balancing it with the necessary defense.
Rahman also pointed to Klitschko’s mentorship of younger fighters. “Wladimir is a student of the game, and he’s trained alongside many greats. He knows how to prepare for the big moments. If Joshua wants to reclaim the heavyweight throne, Klitschko could be the key.”
A New Dynamic
The idea of bringing in a former rival as a trainer is not unheard of in boxing. Some of the sport’s greatest transformations have come from boxers working with trainers who had previously been in their corner during iconic fights, whether as opponents or coaches. Joshua, who has worked with different trainers throughout his career, including Rob McCracken and more recently Derrick James, has shown a willingness to adapt. However, his latest outings have left fans and pundits alike questioning whether his current team is capable of helping him reach the pinnacle once more.
Rahman’s Perspective
As a former heavyweight champion, Hasim Rahman knows the importance of the right trainer-fighter chemistry. He himself worked with a variety of trainers during his career, some of whom were pivotal to his big wins. Rahman believes Joshua is at a crossroads and that the next choice he makes in his training team could determine his future success.
“Joshua’s got the talent and the physical gifts, but he needs someone who can get the best out of him mentally and tactically. Klitschko could be that guy. They were once rivals, but now it could be time for them to work together,” Rahman said.
What’s Next for Joshua?
While there has been no word from Joshua or his team regarding any potential changes, Rahman’s suggestion adds an intriguing layer to the ongoing conversation about Joshua’s next steps. With the heavyweight division heating up and a possible showdown with Deontay Wilder or Tyson Fury on the horizon, it’s crucial for Joshua to be in peak form, both mentally and physically.
Rahman’s proposal may seem unconventional, but in the unpredictable world of boxing, anything is possible. Could Klitschko, the man who once fought Joshua in one of the most memorable heavyweight bouts in recent history, now be the man to help him reignite his career? Only time will tell, but the possibility adds an exciting twist to the heavyweight division’s ongoing narrative.
For now, fans will be watching closely to see whether Joshua heeds Rahman’s advice and reaches out to his former rival for guidance.
