Chris Eubank Jr. is an example for Anthony Joshua to follow as he looks to come back after defeat to Oleksandr Usyk, claims promoter Ben Shalom.
Eubank Jr. and Joshua trained together on New Year’s Eve as they both prepare for their respective next fights.
Joshua is set to fight Usyk in their rematch, expected for some time in the first half of 2022, though a date has yet to be confirmed. Eubank Jr. will fight Liam Williams on February 5th if all goes to plan, after injury and then Covid-19 restrictions hit the first two scheduled dates.
Eubank Jr. has retained Roy Jones Jr. as his trainer, while Joshua has been touring US gyms as he searches for potential additions to his staff ahead of his second crack at the Ukrainian world champion.
"Chris has shown that it can work," Shalom told Sky Sports.
"We'll see in the next 12 months in the real tests. It was two elite athletes spending time together.
"They are each heading into a big 12 months. They have both made big changes.
"Chris is heading into the final stage of his career where he really needs to turn the screw. Anthony has a lot of thinking to do and will have a big transitional year.
"Chris never had a trainer. He never wanted one! That was part of the criticism from the George Groves fight.
"Who was directing him? How was he learning?
"He needed expertise from someone who has been there and done that."
"McCracken has done an amazing job with AJ - it's amazing they went together from the Olympics to becoming a two-time heavyweight champion," Shalom continued.
"What Rob has done for AJ has been easily forgotten. They have done amazing things.
"Fighters sometimes want different things at different stages."