Anthony Joshua and Derrick James would make a fit, according to a highly partisan observer.
London’s Joshua has been making the rounds in the United States recently, going from gym to gym, in search of a new trainer. He was spotted working with Virgil Hunter, best known as the trainer of Hall of Famer Andre Ward, in the San Francisco area and Derrick James in Dallas. James, of course, is the trainer of the WBA, WBC, and IBF welterweight champion Errol Spence Jr. and the undisputed junior middleweight champion Jermell Charlo.
When asked recently about a potential union between James and Joshua, Spence, not surprisingly, offered his wholehearted support.
“Great team,” Spence said of the pairing in an interview with ESNews. “Derrick James—I’m not gonna say he’s gonna take him (Joshua) to another level, but [James can] help him with his defense, help him with his offense.”
Joshua’s search for a new trainer was prompted by his last outing in the ring, a second consecutive loss to WBO, IBO, WBA, IBF heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk of Ukraine. Going into the rematch Joshua sacked his longtime coach Rob McCracken and linked up with veteran Mexican American trainer Robert Garcia of California. After the fight, Joshua appeared to have a meltdown, as he went on a bizarre, emotional rant. Joshua has long been criticized for lacking mental toughness.
On that end, Spence believes James could do wonders for the seemingly psychologically embattled heavyweight.
“Talking to him, giving him that comfort,” Spence said of what James could do for Joshua. “Especially if you want that defense to get better, you need that comfort and let your hands go and stay focused in a fight. It kind of seems like he breaks down a little bit mentally so working with Derrick, Derrick will get him to the top level.”
Joshua is expected to return to the ring in the spring, possibly against former adversary Dillian Whyte, according to his promoter Eddie Hearn.
