Bente on Joshua’s instability: “Once Plan A doesn’t work, the panic begins”

Bernd Bente, former manager of the Klitschko brothers, explained the reasons behind the recent inconsistency of former heavyweight world champion Anthony Joshua.

“Besides the often-criticized issues — the overly static footwork, the open defense, and the ineffective jab — the main question is Anthony’s mental state.

When he feels comfortable and can control the fight, everything goes according to plan. But as soon as Plan A doesn’t work, the panic begins — he rushes, and he becomes vulnerable.

This first appeared in the fight against Wladimir, and more recently — in the fight with Dubois. When Joshua is put under pressure, he immediately runs into problems and panics. Since the Klitschko fight, Joshua has constantly oscillated between self-doubt and confidence. He has lost the ease and dominance he once had in his best years,” said Bente.

Anthony Joshua (28-4, 25 KO) last fought in September 2024, when he was knocked out by Daniel Dubois in the fifth round.