AJ right to take warm-up before Fury, says their former trainer

Anthony Joshua's former trainer has defended the heavyweight champion's decision to implement an extensive warm-up routine ahead of any potential clash with Tyson Fury, insisting that the preparation is crucial for peak performance in a potential blockbuster British boxing showdown.

The two-time world champion has been criticised by some fans and analysts for what they perceive as an overly lengthy pre-fight preparation, with some suggesting the ritual takes away from the mystique and intimidation factor that Joshua's rival Fury has famously cultivated throughout his career.

However, Joshua's former performance coach has dismissed those concerns, stating that the warm-up routine is essential for preventing injuries and ensuring that the 34-year-old can perform at his absolute best when stepping into the ring. The trainer revealed that Joshua has been working with sports scientists to optimize his preparation, incorporating elements of mobility work, strength activation, and mental visualization techniques.

"People don't understand the physical toll that a heavyweight fight takes on the body," the trainer explained. "AJ has learned from experience that taking care of his body in the hours before a fight is just as important as the training camp itself. Anyone questioning this doesn't understand elite-level sports preparation."

The potential fight between Joshua and Fury has been one of the most anticipated domestic matchups in British boxing history, with negotiations having taken place on multiple occasions. Both fighters are currently managed by rival promoters, making any deal complicated, but the public interest remains exceptionally high.

Joshua is coming off an impressive victory in his most recent outing, displaying improved footwork and a more measured approach to his punching combinations. The extra preparation time has been credited with helping him maintain his physical condition throughout fights, allowing him to stay strong in the later rounds.

Fury, known for his unorthodox training methods and pre-fight rituals including elaborate ring walks and microphone confrontations, has publicly stated that he welcomes the challenge of facing Joshua, declaring that he would "run through" his British rival if the fight were to materialise. The clash of training philosophies adds another layer of intrigue to a potential bout that could break all British boxing attendance records.