Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury will finally square off in six weeks’ time, with their Cardiff clash being one of the most hotly anticipated British bouts in recent memory. Now, one of Joshua’s former trainers has offered his verdict on the fight.

After twice losing to Oleksandr Usyk, Joshua returned to action under the tutelage of American trainer Derrick James, who also trained the likes of Jermell Charlo and Errol Spence Jr at the time.

‘AJ’ bounced back with a decision victory against Jermaine Franklin Jr. and then followed that win up with a knockout of Robert Helenius a few months later, only to then move on from James and appoint Ben Davison as his lead cornerman.

Speaking with FightHype, James revealed that he will be attending Fury-Joshua in support of his former fighter and explained that Joshua will need to ‘use his mobility’ and ‘be defensively sound’ to come out on top.

“AJ has to be smart, he has to be intelligent, he has to use his mobility. He has very fast hands and very fast feet, and I think that will be the key for him to be successful. 

“I am a big fan of AJ, I am going to the fight. I love him and I am going for him, so I am a little biased!”

“I think that he has to be intelligent and be very technically and defensively sound. He has to be able to counter-punch and use his angles, I think that would be the best bet to give him, but boxing is always the key, setting yourself up.”

Fury-Joshua takes place on Friday, December 11, at the Principality Stadium, with details regarding the undercard expected to be announced imminently.