Eddie Hearn, promoter of former world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua (24-2, 22 KOs), presented his latest analysis of his ward's mistakes in his fight against Oleksandr Usyk (19-0, 13 KOs), who dethroned Joshua this September. In particular, Hearn responded on whether AJ would part ways with his trainer Rob McCracken.
"I didn't want AJ to try to outbox Usyk, but he tried to do it. Was he too stubborn? Or maybe he lacked confidence? He was getting too many cues, and coming into the ring shortly before the fight, he started talking about a tactical plan with Clifton Mitchell, the former boxer and head of security for the night. It could have been a sign that he didn't know how to approach the fight tactically," Hearn said.
"AJ can sometimes be too smart, he analyzes a lot. He has to make sure he made the right decision. Before his second winning fight with Andy Ruiz Jr. he was given clear instructions. This time he was looking for too much information and didn't have a clear plan. He didn't lose his killer instinct, he just realized after losing to Ruiz in the first fight that he couldn't have a long career if he fought too aggressively. Usyk's merits can't be understated either, he was great on his feet and didn't let AJ prepare a strong punch. AJ hit it pretty hard a few times. I think he shook Usyk with a body kick, but he never delivered a real bomb to the target. When Usyk loses his balance, he needs to be pressed hard. Sometimes people don't want to say unpleasant things to their boxer so as not to lose their job. But I still believe that properly prepared, confident in himself and his plan for the fight AJ will be unbeatable," added the head of Matchroom Boxing.
