I trained Anthony Joshua but undefeated British cruiserweight punches harder on the pads 'by a country mile'

06/03/2024 16:14

Angel Fernandez has snubbed Anthony Joshua when naming the hardest-hitting puncher he has trained.

The 2012 London gold medallist linked up with Fernandez for his rematch with Oleksandr Usyk, where he lost on a split decision in August 2022.

Joshua trained with Fernandez at the Loughborough University campus

Mark Robinson / Matchroom Boxing

AJ will next take on a challenging test in the shape of ex-UFC champion Francis Ngannou, where he will be cornered by new trainer Ben Davison.

The 34-year-old linked up with Davison and put in his best performance in a long while in Devember – beating Otto Wallin in dominant fashion.

It is clear that Joshua has significant punching power on the pads, given his impressive 89 per cent stoppage ratio in the professional ranks.

But ex-trainer Fernandez has recalled a recent pad session with unbeaten Brit Richard Riakporhe, which he believes proves the cruiserweight is the hardest puncher he has worked with.

When asked who had the hardest punch, Fernandez told talkSPORT.com: “Richard Riakporhe by a country mile.

“For example, we had some training with the water bag. It was one guy behind, he whacked it and the guy left.

“I went behind the bag and I had to have a rugby pad behind the bag so that I didn't feel it as much.

“It was incredible, and I think Richard is the hardest puncher I have ever trained.”

Fernandez will train Riakporhe for his signed bout with Chris Billam-Smith

Riakporhe has won all 17 of his bouts in the paid ranks

Getty

Joshua faces a huge opportunity to earn a shot at redemption if he is able to beat Ngannou in Saudi Arabia on Friday night.

The two-time world champion is expected to face the winner of Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk which takes place in May.

But he must first progress beyond Ngannou, who put in an impressive performance against the ‘Gypsy King’ on his debut.

Fernandez believes he will need to box cautiously and be patient if he is to win the fight.

He added: “Any fight is dangerous. Both great fighters. I think the game plan for AJ is to sit behind the jab, footwork and use the distance.

“That doesn't mean on the back foot, but he needs to instead get Ngannou to fight on the back foot so I believe he can get the win.”