Dallas-based trainer and owner of World Class Boxing Gym Derrick James accepted a new challenge, a giant challenge, perhaps the largest of his career. James accepted the test to try and get 2x former heavyweight Champion Anthony Joshua back to the top of the division, to get the fallen champ back to the top of the mountain, and to regain the most prestigious title in the world, The Heavyweight Champion of the world. The first stop in the journey back to the top was Saturday at the 02 Arena in London. Joshua, of London UK, took on Saginaw, Michigan, native Jermaine Franklin in the evening's main event. Joshua passed that test. He was calm and in control throughout the scheduled 12-rounder. The Brit boxed well from the outside and fired off a snappy jab that seemed to be landing with the impact of a power shot. Joshua appeared to fatigue a bit as the fight progressed. However, he remained in control, working well on the inside and scoring on the inside and in spots landed with his patented right uppercut. He rolled to a wide but competitive and hard-fought unanimous decision. The judges rendered scores of 118-111 and 117-111 x2. The Texan-trained Brit moved his record to 25-3 (22), and it was a less-than-spectacular but still dominant performance over a borderline top-ten heavyweight. A good heavyweight that isn't a pushover or a tune-up, but a legitimate threat.
James is a trainer of the year award who currently trains unified welterweight champ, Errol Spence of DeSoto, and undisputed Jr Middleweight champ Jermell Charlo of Houston. He also trains undefeated lightweight prospect, Frank Martin. This is the first world-class heavyweight James has trained. It's going to be a journey back to the top, and Joshua has had three trainers in his last three fights. It's going to take some time to adjust and get comfortable with one another. However, Saturday was a test, and it was a test passed with flying colors. Joshua gave credit to working with Spence, saying it serves as motivation. When you’re amongst other great fighters, it does help. We all train at different times, because there’s only one Derrick James, but we kind of cross each other's paths... It gives you motivation because you can see the good and the bad from a distance. Success breeds success, you put a dog with sheep, and it will become a sheep.”
Saturday in London was the first win for Joshua since 2020. He had lost two in a row and three of his last five. Despite the numerous losses, AJ has remained one of the sport's biggest stars.