Former super middleweight champion, Carl Froch, has issued a counterblast to the recent statements made by two-time former heavyweight titleholder, Anthony Joshua.
Both boxing figures have had a prolonged collaboration with distinguished coach, Robert McCracken.
In a recent interview, Joshua voiced criticism about Froch while reflecting on his erstwhile professional ties with McCracken.
Joshua was guided by McCracken for a significant part of his professional journey. After his twelve-round loss to Oleksandr Usyk in 2021, he separated from the trainer. The British heavyweight subsequently engaged Robert Garcia as his coach, but then split with him after a single match. As of now, Derrick James is undertaking Joshua's training.
Joshua expressed the belief that McCracken wasn't particularly skillful in imparting defensive boxing techniques, citing Froch's nose as an illustrative example.
"Rob McCracken is an unquestionably proficient coach. My only criticism would be Carl Froch's nose. He simply didn't teach me defense," Joshua confided to Boxing News.
On hearing these statements, Froch, a former super middleweight titleholder, swiftly responded, discussing the dynamic between Joshua and McCracken.
“Some people say Carl Froch has nothing positive to say about AJ because AJ left Rob McCracken. I have two things to say to that: 1) It doesn't matter to me who trains him and 2) AJ didn't leave Rob McCracken. As far as you know, Rob McCracken might have left him.
Let's call it a mutual agreement. AJ didn't sack McCracken. He's the boss. It's possible that events transpired and Rob didn't want to work with AJ anymore, which led to the separation. There were many people around AJ advising him during the build-up to the first Usyk fight, and I think Rob had had enough, to be honest. I am privy to the situation, and I know for a fact that AJ did not dismiss Rob," Froch told Genting Casino.
“AJ wasn't heeding Rob's advice before they parted ways. If you're not going to listen and show respect, the relationship is bound to deteriorate. Rob was aware that the Usyk fight would be their last together. Rob's quite content not working with AJ anymore because he doesn't want to associate with someone who doesn't heed advice. Rob's not the type to stick around just for the paycheck."
“I agree with Simon Jordan's viewpoint that criticism is part of the game. As the former two-time heavyweight champion, it's expected of you to participate in significant fights and perform. Being a renowned heavyweight, earning a fortune each time you step into the ring, you have an obligation towards the fans and the sport to: 1) compete against credible opponents and 2) give your all when in the ring. So, the criticism comes with the territory, Simon Jordan is right. But it's not all negative; some of it is constructive."
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