After Anthony Joshua was masterfully out-boxed by Oleksandr Usyk in September last year, the two-time heavyweight world champion was widely criticized for his performance.

AJ played to the strengths of Usyk by trying to have a technical boxing match with one of the best technical fighters in the sport today.

The pair are set to meet in a rematch and Joshua has made it clear that he will be changing his approach and going for the knockout.

One of the biggest changes he has made is swapping out his long-time trainer, Rob McCracken, for Angel Fernandez.

Also trained by Fernandez is the Tokyo 2020 super-heavyweight bronze medallist, Frazer Clarke, who believes Joshua will be in a better position when he meets Usyk in the rematch.

“I think the loss has made him better,” he said. “He’s opened his eyes a bit. It’s made him mentally better. I think he knows what he needs to do.
“I think he’s changed his situation, which he thinks will help him. He’s got a team of people that are dedicated to one thing, and that’s ‘AJ’ getting the result.

“You can’t write Usyk off, he’s an unbelievable fighter. But I’d like to think AJ’s in a place where he can go on and get this win.”

As of yet, the exact location and date for the Usyk vs Joshua rematch have not been announced, but promoter Eddie Hearn insists that an announcement is imminent.

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“I think there’s a very good chance you’ll see that fight on July 23 in the Middle East,” Hearn told iFL TV:

“We have had a number of offers from around the world. We have been working through those and we’re closing in on that option.
“Team Usyk has stressed that that’s the option they would prefer because obviously, it’s a lot of money.

“Quite frankly, I think Team Usyk would rather a neutral venue and I don’t blame them for that. So, that’s where we’re at.

“Do we announce this week? Probably not. But do we announce it next week? Almost certainly.

“You will see that fight, you will see that fight in July and you’ll get an official announcement soon.”