Dillian Whyte says he knows the single issue that has affected Anthony Joshua’s form in recent years.
Between 2016 and 2020 Joshua was broadly regarded as the world’s top heavyweight, at one point holding three of the four world titles. Since 2021 the Londoner has lost three of seven fights, with one of his four wins in that period coming against boxing novice and former UFC champion Francis Ngannou.
On December 19 the 36-year-old takes an unexpected turn in his career when he meets YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul in an eight-round main event on Netflix.
Joshua, 28-4 (25 KOs), has revealed his camp will be overseen by members of Oleksandr Usyk’s training team — the staff who guided Usyk to consecutive wins over the Brit. The identity of the lead trainer has not been confirmed, but they will follow a line of coaches that includes Robert McCracken, Robert Garcia, Derrick James and Ben Davison.
Whyte — who fought and lost to Joshua ten years ago — told the Clubhouse Boxing podcast that leaving McCracken was a major error.
“I think the biggest mistake AJ made was leaving Robert McCracken. I think McCracken was the best trainer for him. McCracken was a smart, quiet, intelligent guy. You should know within two or three months whether it’s right for you or not — not a year then change.
“It seems like he’s wondering. He’s a bit lost. He’s looking for something. He needs to find it within himself, deep down, something no boxing trainer can fix. Even speaking to a sports psychiatrist, be honest with yourself and dig up something deep down.”
