Should Joshua change coaches?

Shane McGuigan, a young but already respected British trainer, mentioned in passing that Anthony Joshua (24-2, 22 KOs) needs to think about some changes. Meanwhile, journalist Chris Mannix wonders aloud whether AJ should part ways with Rob McCracken, who he's been working with for years.

The wave of criticism following last week's loss to Oleksandr Usyk (19-0, 13 KOs) didn't just fall on Joshua. Most viewers wondered why the foolish tactic of trying to outbox a much more technical opponent was chosen? AJ exploded at times, but generally played his opponent's game.

"There were three voices in Joshua's corner. Fernandez and Clayton should know their place, and only one person should be the main authority. Also, you really have to bluff a little bit with some guys and tell them in between rounds, 'Oh, you did a great job this round,' even if your underling lost a round. I think that's exactly the case with AJ. I've never worked with Joshua, so I don't know him very well, but surely a coach must have unquestionable authority. Joshua's corner had Angel Fernandez, Joby Cayton and Rob McCracken, but who really had the deciding vote? It's a matter of hierarchy. McCracken is an experienced coach, he knows his stuff, but he has to take care of his credibility, and things weren't looking good a week ago. Tough decision for Joshua, but he has to make a change. Whether they keep the coach or throw him out, but there should only be one voice in the corner and the assistants need to know their place and remain silent. Even if AJ was just hitting the gloves, he could have cut Usyk, hurt his face. I'm convinced he can beat him, but he needs one voice and the authority of a head coach," McGuigan said.

"Sometimes you need something completely new, different. And the complete opposite of Rob McCracken, for example, could be Teddy Atlas. He's the guy who will yell at Joshua and dictate his fighting style to him. In my opinion, right now AJ needs someone like Atlas. You know, nobody likes to be yelled at, but sometimes it's just necessary," Mannix said for his part.

Joshua's rematch with Usyk is tentatively scheduled for late February or March next year.