McGuigan: Anthony Joshua must take blame for recent losses and claims Brit is in ‘CRISIS’

Boxing icon Barry McGuigan has said Anthony Joshua must take the blame himself for his damaging recent losses against Oleksandr Usyk. 

Joshua, 33, lost the WBA, IBF, WBO and IBO heavyweight titles in 2021 after a unanimous-decision defeat against the Ukrainian, and also lost the August rematch, after which he fired his then-trainers Rob McCracken and Robert Garcia.

And McGuigan told Boxing King Media that the Brit should take personal responsibility for the fights rather than simply get rid of his coaches – before claiming Joshua is ‘in crisis’.

Anthony Joshua (above) must take responsibility for his recent defeats, says Barry McGuigan

He parted company with coach Robert Garcia after losing his rematch with Oleksandr Usyk

He said: ‘The fact is he’s been around a few different trainers and that automatically makes you think he is blaming the trainer for not performing. 

And Irish boxing icon McGuigan (above) said that Joshua should take the blame himself

‘The bottom line is it is with you. You are responsible for your performance. Robert Garcia has an unblemished record, he’s incredible, he has produced many world champions and is a great coach.

‘But if you’re not listening to him, you’re not taking on board what he is saying then it is hard to implement his tactics. I think Joshua is going through a crisis, he needs to stop questioning himself. He’s got to knuckle down and get on with it.

‘Really, it’s a waste of time talking about it. He needs to settle down with someone and get on with it.’ 

Joshua is reportedly set to fight next in March 2023, once his new coaching team is finalised. 

Earlier this month, Sportsmail suggested a Deontay Wilder vs Joshua slug-fest could be on the cards next year.