Derek Chisora backs British over American
British heavyweight veteran Derek Chisora has explained why he believes one of Anthony Joshua’s former trainers ‘failed him’, after witnessing a U-turn in Joshua’s previously punctured confidence.
Joshua had been training with Rob McCracken since his days an amateur, guiding him to the point where he became the unified heavyweight champion and the face of boxing worldwide.
However, after McCracken failed to inform his fighter that he was behind on the cards against Oleksandr Usyk in their first fight in 2021, Joshua made the decision to part ways with his long-term trainer.
The Brit then moved on to Robert Garcia in preparation for his rematch with Usyk, but axed the Mexican after losing once again.
‘AJ’ then opted for Derrick James, who attempted to rebuild his confidence with wins against Michigan’s Jermaine Franklin and Finnish fighter Robert Helenius, but it was Brit Ben Davison who Joshua appears to have gelled well with, after two impressive knockout wins since leaving James late last year.
In an interview with Crypto Casinos, Londoner Chisora claimed that cultural differences restrict the impact that James could have on Joshua’s abilities and mentality.
“I do feel like British fighters tend to work better on home soil with British trainers, it’s a different fight style. It’s like marrying an American and asking for them to cook a Sunday Roast, they don’t know how, they haven’t done it before, they didn’t grow up with one. Sunday roast is a British tradition. Thanksgiving dinner… it’s a different game, an American would know exactly what you’re talking about. There’s a culture difference.
“James is a great trainer, but didn’t have the ability to turn AJ into the menace he is right now. American trainers are great for American fighters. Basing yourself at home gives you a massive advantage because you’re sleeping on the same pillow you’ve been sleeping on for the last 10 years.”
Joshua is expected to return to the ring this summer, and could fight the winner of Hrgovic-Dubois for the IBF title.