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Boxing

Lawrence Okolie explains why trainer Ben Davison is 'perfect' for Anthony Joshua

Lawrence Okolie explains why trainer Ben Davison is 'perfect' for Anthony JoshuaMark Robinson/Matchroom Boxing
Ben Davison has played a major part in Anthony Joshua's resurgence.

Anthony Joshua is once again a major force in the heavyweight division. 

After losing his IBF, WBA and WBO world heavyweight titles to Oleksandr Usyk in 2021, Joshua struggled with his coaching set up. 

Following that loss, Joshua parted ways with trainer Robert McCracken and enlisted Robert Garcia for a rematch with Usyk the following year. This however did not prove successful with the British star falling short once again to the Ukrainian in a split decision loss.

Joshua would then employ Derrick James as head trainer for fights against Jermaine Franklin and Robert Helenius last year, but while he did win both contests, the performances were criticised by some who claimed the former unified heavyweight champion was holding back and not showcasing his knockout power. 

A third trainer change for Joshua was then made with Ben Davison, who previously trained current WBC heavyweight champion Tyson Fury, being brought into the camp for Joshua's clash with Otto Wallin last December. 

Joshua went on to make a statement in this fight and stopped Wallin who failed to get off his stool at the end of the fifth round. This was then followed up by a devastating second round knockout win against former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou in March.

While they are just two fights into their fighter-trainer relationship, it appears that Joshua and Davison are already working well together, and speaking in an interview with Betway, former WBO cruiserweight champion Lawrence Okolie explained why Davison is the 'perfect' trainer for the Olympic gold medalist. 

"I think he’s perfect," Okolie began.

"AJ has been having a good time and I think he is believing in his punching because that is one of his greatest attributes due to how quick and explosive he is as a puncher.

"Also with how good he is at counterpunching, I think that is something he has stepped into so I think they gel really well and tactically, they’ll be able to create a great game plan."

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