Anthony Joshua and Robert Garcia have been working together for 'a long period of time' ahead of his highly-anticipated rematch with Oleksandr Usyk, according to his promoter Eddie Hearn.

Joshua and Usyk are set to renew their rivalry in the summer, with July 23 the pencilled in date for their second dance.

The American, who is the older brother and long-time trainer of Mikey Garcia, has been drafted in as a coach and has kept it hush hush while secretly working alongside Angel Fernandez.

AJ, 32, has remained silent about his training camp arrangements up until this week when he made an official announcement confirming the news following an initial report from ESPN.

And while some have questioned the timing of his appointment, Hearn has moved to dissuade those fears.

Hearn told iFL TV: "He's visited a lot of coaches, he's spoke to a lot of people.

"He's very happy with Angel in the corner as well, but wanted that bit of experience, wanted that bit of difference.

"He went through that process alone and came out with Robert Garcia who is one of the best trainers in the world.

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Boxing - WBA, IBF & WBO Heavyweight Titles - Anthony Joshua v Oleksandr Usyk - Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, London, Britain - September 25, 2021 Anthony Joshua in action against Oleksandr Usyk Action Images via Reuters/Andrew Couldridge

Anthony Joshua is set to rematch Oleksandr Usyk this summer

"People talk about him just arriving into camp - Robert Garcia has been here a while, you know, backwards and forwards and for a long period of time.

"But AJ obviously felt now is the time that he should let the world know as we look to finalise the date and I think he's going to be a fantastic addition to the corner and I truly believe AJ will win the fight against Usyk.

"With the momentum and confidence of someone like Robert Garcia, I think it's going to put him in a great place."

Hearn also reckons Joshua should employ the same tactics as Derek Chisora against the Ukrainian.

He revealed: "You've got to be smart, you can't just go in and be reckless, but you've got to have smart aggression.

"And if you look at what Chisora did to Usyk, I know it's Chisora and it's different, when Usyk found his rhythm against Chisora he started to box very nicely, but you've got to take him out of that rhythm, you've got to unsettle him.

"I don't think - as most people will be in the same boat - Usyk likes getting hit.

"I don't think he likes it round the body. I don't think he likes it rough and tough. So you've got to give it him.

"But you've got to do it in a smart way. I mean, I'm an armchair fan, ultimately. But you talk about Robert Garcia and those kind of guys, coming up with gameplans, you've got to put a dent in him.

"AJ can hurt this guy bad if he's got those kind of intentions but in a smart way."

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