Anthony Joshua implements Rocky-style training method as Brit chops down trees in gruelling Texas training camp
ANTHONY JOSHUA has drawn inspiration from Rocky Balboa ahead of his fight against Jermaine Franklin.
AJ is due to face Franklin at London‘s O2 Arena on April 1.
INSTAGRAMAnthony Joshua shared a picture of him chopping a tree[/caption]
INSTAGRAMHe captioned his post “back to basics”[/caption]
Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer / United International PicturesIconic boxing character Rocky Balboa is seen chopping a tree in Rocky IV[/caption]
Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer / United International PicturesRocky is seen chopping down a tree before wading through thick snow[/caption]
Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer / United International PicturesFans were quick to draw comparisons between Rocky and Joshua[/caption]
Anthony Joshua vs Jermaine Franklin – Date, live stream, TV channel and all you need to know about heavyweight bout
Ahead of the fight, Joshua is undertaking an intense training camp in the Texas city of Dallas, USA.
New trainer Derrick James has been putting the 33-year-old through the wringer in a bid to get him back in title contention.
As well as utilising a plush gym at the camp, Joshua has been put back to basics.
He was previously spotted exercising in a parking lot before the Brit’s latest post showed him swinging an axe at a tree.
AJ suitably captioned the post: “Back to basics .”
In iconic boxing film Rocky IV, protagonist Rocky Balboa is seen chopping down a tree during an intense training camp.
Rocky is then seen wading through deep snow with the tree log on his back.
Fans were quick to draw comparisons between Joshua and Rocky.
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One fan commented: “Bro is literally Rocky/Adonis underdog right now.”
A second said: “Rocky Balboa style .
While a third suggested a career switch, adding: “You’d be good in a Creed film.”
Joshua’s boxing career is effectively on the line in the bout against Franklin.
He lost his heavyweight titles last August when he was defeated in his rematch with Oleksandr Usyk.
However, AJ is excited to get back in the ring and put on a show.
He said: “I’m looking forward to stepping back into the ring on April 1 at The O2 in London.
“Mentally and physically I feel ready. I want to put on a show and impress my coach as he has high standards.
“Franklin has a good style and a great attitude, which he has shown in recent fights.”
Franklin similarly lost his most recent bout in a narrow defeat to Dillian Whyte at the end of 2022.
