New Anthony Joshua coach named ahead of his upcoming IBF heavyweight title defense against American Eric Molina on December 10th at the Manchester Arena.
When I came across who the new Anthony Joshua coach was immediately I thought to myself, wise move chaps.
(Joshua working on footwork drill here ahead of Molina fight)
Rob McCracken will be well known to many boxing fans having guided Carl Froch’s career so successfully right the way through the professional ranks.
He is a tough task master.
A no nonsense operator and as Joshua comes into some of the make or break fights in 2017 against the other heavyweight champions and big names in the division, the timing of this moves seems to be on point as he knows the big tests are just around the corner.
Joshua was previously been trained by the UK’s Tony Sims but he will reportedly according to Sky Sports still continue a working relationship with Joshua.
However it is understood that McCracken will take over as the new Anthony Joshua coach from a full-time perspective.
McCracken and Joshua are already well acquainted from Joshua’s time as an amateur where under the watchful eye of McCracken – Joshua captured Olympic Gold at the 2012 Olympics in London.
With McCracken now taking on a big name professional fighter like Joshua, it’s hard to imagine his old star pupil Carl Froch ever making a return to pro boxing now.
Given the fact he would likely only do so under McCraken’s coaching and the trainer is likely to have his hands more than full now with the new Joshua job, as well as his current full-time role as director of performance for the GB amateur boxing squad in Sheffield.
Overall it’s a shrewd move by Joshua and his team in my opinion.
If there was any fear of Joshua getting above his station and getting ahead of himself with success as his career unfolds and if he turns out to be is as good as many believe he will be, those fears will be quickly eased and brought down to reality with the hard-nosed McCracken.
As a humble guy, I wouldn’t expect Joshua to get ahead of himself anyway. This new coach could prove to be one of his best moves yet in my opinion.
