Anthony Joshua made a lasting impression on Robert Garcia long before it was announced the two of you will work together.
The British heavyweight enlisted the services of the 47-year-old coach to work alongside Angel Fernandez for Joshua’s rematch with Oleksandr Usyk.
Seven years ago, Garcia was in London working with Evgeny Gradovich in a defense of Russia’s IBF Featherweight title against Lee Selby. In the same show at The O2 Arena, Anthony Joshua had his 13th professional bout against Kevin Johnson and the Olympic gold medalist impressed Garcia.
Remember your observations to Small Giant Boxing “Gradovich fought in London and Joshua was just starting out,” said Garcia. He’s a superstar with a gold medal, but I don’t know who he is. But when I see him coming in, what he looks like, the way he walks, the way he smiles, shakes people’s hands, I don’t know who he is, but I know he’s special. I always trusted him because he has a lot of talent. ”
Joshua along with Tyson Fury, Usyk and Deontay Wilder are considered by many to be the top quartet of the heavyweight, who have set themselves apart from the competition below them. Despite losing the ‘AJ’ world championship twice, Garcia has always believed in Brit’s ability.
“A year or two ago if you asked me who was the most talented heavyweight, I would always say Anthony Joshua is brilliantly talented. Tyson Fury is another monster, another monster. Usyk is very technical, tough because he is smarter, quick. Wilder, terrible power. Each has their own unique qualities but if you are talking about talent, I would choose Anthony Joshua. ”
“The other thing that Anthony Joshua has is insane strength. Oh my god, he has great strength. I think more than anyone. Wilder, I’ve never felt his strength but from what I’ve seen he knocks fools too. Wilder is one of those guys with one-punch power, but Anthony Joshua has it too. Very, very strong. ”
Garcia said his new student has all the attributes to reclaim his heavyweight titles and become a three-time champion if he follows the game plan given to him.
“He has reach, strength, power, size, everything works in his favor. He needs to follow the game plan,”
“If he is 100% focused, if the training camp goes well and he listens to me, he will beat Usyk.”
