EDDIE HEARN has given his thoughts on Anthony Joshua’s shift in mentality.
The former two-time unified heavyweight champion has showcased a slight shift in personality over the last two years.
GETTYAnthony Joshua has been incredibly vocal over the last two years[/caption]
GETTYThe once-reserved AJ hasn’t been mincing his words as of late[/caption]
REUTERSEddie Hearn claims the change in mentality has come about as AJ no longer gives a “f**k”[/caption]
AJ has been more vocal with his opinions on the sport as of late and hasn’t been afraid to aim verbal jabs – and threats – his opponent’s way.
His change in mentality hasn’t gone unnoticed by boxing fans, many of whom have been wondering what’s prompted the change in personality.
The change, according to long-time promoter Hearn, is the result of AJ not giving a “f**k anymore” having twice climbed the heavyweight mountain.
The Matchroom Boxing chief told Sports Boom: “He’s always had that edge. But I think he’s a lot less guarded now.
“When he won the Olympics, he came through that GB school which can be very corporate and that’s been amazing for the sport.
“He’s been an ambassador for it, increased interest in it again and increased participation among kids at [the] grassroots level.
“But now he thinks ‘I’ve done my job. I don’t give a f–k anymore.’
“Now, if you put it on him, he wants to take your head off.
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“People say they love this new AJ, it’s not a new AJ in terms of his edge.
“He’s always been real. But I do think it’s a new AJ in terms of his confidence.”
Joshua, 35, showed his fiery side in a recent sitdown face-off with upcoming opponent Daniel Dubois.
After ‘Triple D’ challenged him to an early domestic dust-up, Joshua hit back: “I’ll throw this f***ing chair across your face.
“Don’t disrespect me. Don’t disrespect me. Daniel, don’t disrespect me.”
Dubois fired back “You can’t intimidate me. Who do you think you are?”
Joshua calmly stood up and before warning Dubois: “Daniel, don’t disrespect me because I’ll put this chair around your f***ing face.
“I don’t take disrespect lightly, Dan.
“Dan, I don’t take disrespect lightly you know.
“Don’t sit on the table telling me we can go now and do all of this and that and try call me out.”
Security quickly stepped in to make sure the pair didn’t prematurely trade blows and potentially scupper their Wembley war.
PAAnthony Joshua throws down with Daniel Dubois in September[/caption]