May 30, 2019; New York, NY; IBF, WBA, WBO and IBO heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua and Andy Ruiz pose after the final press conference ahead of Saturday’s Matchroom Boxing card at Madison Square Garden in New York City. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland/Matchroom Boxing UK

Lewis: AJ Wasn’t Prepared For Ruiz, Needs New Trainer

By Fight Sports Jun 4, 2019 Last updated Jun 6, 2019

In the aftermath of Anthony Joshua’s first career loss, many in boxing are wondering what the former unified world heavyweight champion will do after the TKO by Andy Ruiz jr.

Former unified world heavyweight champion Lennox Lewis believes that Joshua must fire his longtime trainer, Rob McCracken.

Lennox believes that McCracken, who has guided Joshua’s career from the Olympics, to world championship glory as a pro, may not have the skills to take Joshua to the next level.

Lewis speaks from experience, as he switched to legendary trainer Emmanuel Steward after a shocking 1994 loss to Oliver McCall.

‘I say you can’t go to university with your third grade teacher. They won’t have the answers you need at that level. You need a professor by then.”

‘McCracken is A1 without question but maybe not the fit for the style AJ needs to fight.” Lews said to the Daily Mail. “I switched to Manny Steward who understood how to leverage all of my physical attributes and skills and showed me everything I needed to know for success.'”

Lewis added: ‘He (McCracken) may not be right for the type of style that AJ needs to master. Aside from that AJ was not prepared for anything Ruiz brought to table.'”

Report: Daily Mail