Derek Chisora has revealed how he helped ‘push’ Anthony Joshua during his training camp and explained how he brought ‘pain and war’ to their sparring sessions.
Joshua will return to the ring on Saturday evening to face Jermaine Franklin after losing to Oleksandr Usyk for a second time in August 2022 – having previously lost his WBA, WBO and IBF belts to the Ukrainian in September 2021.
AJ flew out to Texas to train under his new coach Derrick James after parting ways with Robert Garcia. Eddie Hearn described Joshua’s camp in Dallas as ‘humbling’ and insisted the ‘stripped back lifestyle’ would be the secret to his success.
Joshua also took part in a 15 minute sparring session with Chisora in preparation for his bout with Franklin. AJ described the contest with Del Boy as ‘tough’ but beneficial.
This is not the first time Joshua and Chisora have sparred together. They previously linked up in 2019 ahead of AJ’s world heavyweight title rematch with Andy Ruiz Jr and Chisora’s clash with David Price.
Derek Chisora has revealed how he helped ‘push’ Anthony Joshua during his training camp in Dallas and explained how he brought ‘pain and war’ to their sparring sessions
This is not the first time they have sparred together. They previously linked up in 2019 ahead of AJ’s world heavyweight title rematch with Andy Ruiz Jr and Chisora’s clash with David Price
Speaking exclusively to Sportsmail about his sparring session with AJ earlier this month, Chisora said: ‘When I come to spar, I bring pain and I bring war.
‘I like to push him because he is my brother. I can’t go in the ring with him and mess around with him because that’s not benefitting him. If I go in the ring with him, I go hard and he gives it back.’
Meanwhile, Joshua said the 15 minute sparring session with Chisora improved his ‘conditioning’ and ‘tested’ him ahead of his bout with Franklin.
The 33-year-old said: ’15 minute sparring sessions could be like, jab and move around. But with Chisora, it’s a lot higher output.
‘It was really good. It really helped condition me. It really tested me. I wouldn’t say I enjoyed it as it was tough but in a sense, it’s what I wanted so I did enjoy it. It’s a weird one. I wanted this and I am getting it but it’s tough.’
Joshua is looking to make a statement at the ‘Lions Den’ on Saturday and record his first professional win since December 2020 when he beat Kubrat Pulev via TKO.
However, there is a tremendous amount of pressure on AJ heading into the fight – with many calling for him to hang up his gloves if he is beaten by Franklin.
Chisora said there is no denying that Joshua is under pressure heading into the fight but insisted it would be ‘good’ for the British boxer in the long run.
He told Sportsmail: ‘There is pressure. I am not going to lie to you, there is so much pressure. He’s fighting a guy who comes from America and has had a taste of the United Kingdom.
Joshua will return to the ring on Saturday evening to face Jermaine Franklin (above) after losing to Oleksandr Usyk for a second time in August 2022
Chisora says there is a ‘lot of pressure’ on Joshua but insists it will be good for the British star
‘Now he’s thinking, I like this and I could make something out of this. Now he’s fighting AJ. It will be a hard fight but I think it will be good for him.’
Chisora also said the location of the fight will play into Joshua’s hands and insisted he would be ringside to support the 33-year-old.
Del Boy said: ‘That’s [O2] where he started. That’s where he became a world champion. So it’s time for him to come back home. I will be there at the fight supporting him.’
Chisora finished by giving his predications for the fight. He said: ‘It’s going to be a good fight. The first four rounds are going to be a bit cagey but afterwards it’s going to be good.’
