Robert Garcia believes staging Anthony Joshua’s proposed fight with Tyson Fury in New York could place unnecessary psychological pressure on the former heavyweight champion.
Garcia trained Joshua for his 2022 rematch defeat to Oleksandr Usyk and says he understands how strongly emotions can influence the Briton’s performances. Joshua’s only previous fight at Madison Square Garden ended in a major upset loss to Andy Ruiz Jr. in 2019.
“I would worry because I worked with him. I know how he thinks,” Garcia said. “I don’t think it’s a good idea. The fact that they’re bringing it to New York is already something I don’t like.”
Garcia believes returning to the scene of Joshua’s most damaging defeat could revive negative memories, especially given his recent concerns about the fighter’s current mental and physical condition.
He would prefer the long-awaited all-British fight to take place in the United Kingdom and suggested Turki Alalshikh could help move it if he is willing to cover the financial difference.
Garcia still expects Joshua vs. Fury to become a major global event wherever it is held, but feels a 90,000-seat Wembley Stadium crowd would suit the occasion better than two British heavyweights meeting in New York.
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