Anthony Joshua's sparring choices were criticized and even blamed for his shocking seventh-round TKO loss to Andy Ruiz Jr. in June of 2019.
Although Joshua was able to reclaim his unified world heavyweight titles with a unanimous decision over Ruiz last December, Eddie Hearn vows that "AJ" won't make the same sparring mistakes entering his next fight.
In speaking with Sky Sports earlier in the week, the Matchroom Boxing promoter knows just what Joshua needs to prepare for his fight against mandatory challenger Kubrat Pulev.
"Sparring wise? You need a tall, stand-up fighter who is technically sound," Hearn said. "Looking around? The likes of Dominic Breazeale, as an example. A stand-up heavyweight."
Joshua produced a seventh-round TKO of Breazeale back in June 2016, and Hearn believes that the American's style would bode well in preparing Joshua (23-1, 21 KOs) for Pulev (28-1, 14 KOs).
"Pulev is very experienced, very good technically, punches a bit," Hearn continued. "You need to find a tall heavyweight that replicates that style. Against Ruiz Jr., the second time, they got their sparring spot on. That is so important moving forwards.
"He won't make that mistake again, of overlooking that element," he added. "His sparring for Pulev will be spot on."
Earlier this week, Hearn targeted early December for Joshua to face Pulev, with the O2 Arena in London being the desired location.