Anthony Joshua is “completely disconnected” from the world in Dallas, reveals coach Derrick James

Derrick James said Anthony Joshua was “completely disconnected” from the world and avoided social media during his training camp in Dallas.

Joshua will return to the ring on Saturday night to face Jermaine Franklin after losing to Oleksandr Usyk for a second time in August 2022 – having previously lost his WBA, WBO and IBF belts to the Ukrainian in September 2021 .

There’s a lot of pressure on AJ heading into the fight – many tell him to hang up his gloves when he’s hit by Franklin.

However, Joshua’s coach is confident the 33-year-old can emerge victorious after breaking free from online negativity.

Joshua flew to Texas to train under his new coach James after parting ways with Robert Garcia after his second straight loss to the Ukraine.

Anthony Joshua (left) meets American Jermaine Franklin (right) on Saturday.

Joshua’s trainer Derrick James revealed the Brit was “completely disconnected” from the world during his training camp in Dallas – completely shutting himself off from negativity on social media

Eddie Hearn described Joshua’s Dallas camp as “humiliating” and insisted the “slimmed-down lifestyle” would be the secret to his success.

James was inclined to agree, saying Joshua’s decision to leave the UK and train in Dallas was “great”.

Speak with sports mail At Wednesday’s press conference, James said: “He completely disconnected [from social media and the news].

“He was in Dallas, but he had no connection with the city at all. It was perfect for him. He did great.’

Speaking to Sportsmail earlier in the week, Hearn called Joshua’s camp “humiliating” and explained that his trip to Dallas is what’s best for him.

Hearn said, “This camp was very different from his others. They are chalk and cheese. At the ICE [England Institute of Sport] he is really god.

“He’s an Olympic gold medalist and he changed the face of British boxing and they roll out the red carpet for him every day at training.

Promoter Eddie Hearn described Joshua’s Dallas training camp as “humiliating” – and insisted the “slimmed-down lifestyle” would help the Brit prevail against Franklin on Saturday night

“He didn’t want it, but it just turned out that way. This camp was very different. It was a very humble house. He only had a few friends there and guys at the camp.

‘Then he was with Derrick James. A single trainer. He was in a very modest gym. A very small gym. He was just 1-on-1 with last year’s Coach of the Year.’

Meanwhile, James continued to talk about Joshua’s training camp, saying: “I think it’s great.

“Only the work ethic was really great. I think that’s one of the most important things. How hard we worked in the gym. How much we fought in the gym.”

Joshua is looking to make a statement in the Lions Den and record his first professional win since December 2020 when he defeated Kubrat Pulev via TKO.

However, James has said a knockout doesn’t “grieve” him. AJ’s coach said he was focused on getting the win and insisted he didn’t care about putting Franklin down.

Still, fans will be on the lookout for something spectacular from Joshua this weekend.

The British boxer is looking to make a comeback after losing to Oleksandr Usyk in a row

Joshua spoke at a press event on Monday about the pressure he is under.

He said, “It comes with business and it comes with territory, I know that.”

Joshua continued, “I know when I’m retired I’m going to chill. I’ll think fuck everyone. I’m done.

“You guys are putting so much pressure on me that the chains will be gone when I’m done. I will laugh and love life.’