Jump directly to the content

Anthony Joshua has taken inspiration from Rocky Balboa in terms of his training camp for his upcoming clash against Jermaine Franklin.

The former two-time heavyweight championon Monday evening of himself chopping down trees.

Joshua looks ripped in training photos as he goes 'back to basics'
5
Joshua looks ripped in training photos as he goes 'back to basics'Credit: INSTAGRAM
And this could be down to linking up with new trainer, Derrick James
5
And this could be down to linking up with new trainer, Derrick JamesCredit: INSTAGRAM
Or he could be taking inspiration from Rocky Balboa
5
Or he could be taking inspiration from Rocky BalboaCredit: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer / United International Pictures
Joshua's Instagram post seems to be a throwback to Rocky's training montage in Rocky IV
5
Joshua's Instagram post seems to be a throwback to Rocky's training montage in Rocky IVCredit: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer / United International Pictures

The pictures, which show his bulging biceps, came alongside the caption: "back to basics" and they are reminiscent of the training montage in Rocky IV, as Balboa prepares for his fight with Ivan Drago.

Joshua will not have to come up against Drago, but he does face the challenge of America's Franklin on April 1 at the O2 Arena in London.

Having recently changed trainers, linking up with Derrick James who also works with world champions Errol Spence Jr and Jermell Charlo, this could explain the new training methods.

To train with James, Joshua has made the move over to the United States, but he insists it is not a sightseeing trip, as he said: “It is not because I ain’t seen anything.

“I’m not there for anything else, I’m a serious person so I am not there for anything else.

"Throughout my career this is probably the most serious I have taken it.

Despite being a heavy favourite, Joshua is not underestimating Franklin
5
Despite being a heavy favourite, Joshua is not underestimating FranklinCredit: Getty

“I’m not really there to go out for coffees and talk about bulls**t, I’m there to f***ing work.”

And in terms of the motivation for his fight with Franklin, Joshua has made himself clear saying: “Money. I like making money. Straight up. Like, this is a prizefighting sport.

“I’ve been broke. My family has been broke. I know what this s*** means and I do it because I’m good at it and I hustle hard.

“When it’s all said and done no-one will care about me no more. So, I’ve got to make the most of it while I’m here.”

Topics
cricket exchange