“Step by step”: Anthony Joshua’s new trainer on working with the Briton

Yegor Golub, the new trainer of former heavyweight world champion Anthony Joshua, spoke about his work with the British fighter.

– I didn’t come there alone — our whole team came in together. We don’t have this concept of a head coach; we’re all one unit. So there is a boxing coach, there is a strength and conditioning coach, there is a rehab specialist, there is a doctor. We are one whole.

– How did it happen? How did you meet?

– Please ask Oleksandr Usyk about that.

– People want to know how you yourself got into boxing.

– I’ve been in boxing for 20 years. I was on the Ukrainian national team together with Oleksandr Usyk, Serhii Lapin and Vasyl Lomachenko. So I have solid experience.

– What kind of relationship do you have with Joshua? Is there chemistry? How do you get along?

– We have a good professional relationship. We communicate well, we get along well, we understand each other, but it has only been three months, so “step by step”. It takes time.

– Have you passed on any of Usyk’s skills to Anthony Joshua? Taught him anything new?

– Oleksandr Usyk is Oleksandr Usyk, and Anthony Joshua is Anthony Joshua. They are two different kinds of boxers. Different weight, different height, so he is a different fighter. As for any new skills, we will see on 19 December.

– Anthony Joshua is a big favourite in the fight against Jake Paul. Do you think this will be an easy fight for Joshua?

– For me, there are no easy fights in boxing. Anyone who stands across from our team, our boxer — we respect everyone and treat everyone with respect. You don’t joke around with boxing.

– Many believe this fight will end in the first round. Have you targeted an early knockout?

– I won’t say.

– And finally: Oleksandr Usyk is negotiating a fight with Deontay Wilder. Do you like this match-up?

– Yes, I like it. It’s interesting.

On 19 December in Miami, USA, Anthony Joshua (28-4, 25 KOs) will have an eight-round bout against Jake Paul (12-1, 7 KOs). You can find the full undercard and broadcast details at the following link.