24 March 2023 , 09:44
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Anthony Joshua has been inspired by Rocky Balboa's training methods ahead of his comeback fight against Jermaine Franklin.
Former two-time heavyweight champion Joshua is gearing up for his UK return as he faces Franklin at The O2 arena next weekend. 'AJ' is without a win in over two years having lost his heavyweight titles to Oleksandr Usyk in September 2021 before failing to win them back in their second fight last August.
The Brit is now working with his third trainer in the space of two years as Derrick James will look to put him back on the path to world title contention. Joshua has been inspired by late heavyweight Earnie Shavers ahead of his upcoming fight and has also utilised training methods made famous in the Rocky franchise such as chopping down trees.
"I was just doing some research on boxing and come across Earnie Shavers, who was known as one of the strongest punchers out there. He used to chop wood and that was their form of calisthenics, strength and conditioning. I've been focusing more on old school methods, strength and conditioning is a big part of sport now but
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"I think there's a difference between strength and conditioning inside and outside of training camp. I think chopping trees and chopping wood is good for rotational power, from what I was researching anyway. It also makes good Instagram content!"
Joshua could be set to face a huge opponent if he gets past Franklin as his promoter Hearn recently laid out a plan for 'AJ' which involves blockbuster fights against Dillian Whyte and Deontay Wilder later in the year. Hearn thinks Joshua was smart to move his training camp to America for his upcoming fight and insisted he is no longer being "treated like a God" during his preparations.
Anthony Joshua faces Jermaine Franklin on April 1 (Getty Images)Having been criticised for trying to outbox Usyk in his last two fights, Joshua admitted he isn't sure if fans will see a different version of him against Franklin. The Brit said his main focus is getting a win on April 1 and he is confident he has the tools to get past Franklin.
"I'd be lying to you if I said 'I'm going to this and this, come out southpaw'. It's all b******, I'm going to go in there and do what I do which is get that win. Let me go in there and do my job, I'm going to do my best. I'm a f****ng good fighter, I'm not going to make it overcomplicated. I'll find the gaps needed to break my opponent down," he added.