We were promised a leaner Anthony Joshua the last time out and received the opposite but he’s definitely on target for his lightest weigh-in since 2016.
Plenty of focus has been put on Joshua’s weight ahead of his unification showdown with WBO heavyweight champion Joseph Parker next month, with trainer Robert McCracken setting ‘AJ’ a target of 17st 10lbs for the March 31 bout.
Having weighed in at 18st 2lbs for his most recent defence against Carlos Takam and 17st 12lbs for his clash with Wladimir Klitschko last April, Joshua is eager to prioritise speed over size for his next outing.
Promoter Eddie Hearn visited Joshua on Thursday and provided fans with an update on his star fighter’s weight, revealing that the 28-year-old was coasting at 17st 6lbs fully clothed with just seven weeks to go until fight night.
Stopped by the gym in Sheffield..the champ @anthonyfjoshua at a lean 17'6 in his kit pre workout 💪🏽 pic.twitter.com/kK01XzDVmS
— Eddie Hearn (@EddieHearn) February 15, 2018
Despite his unblemished professional record, some pundits have criticised Joshua’s bulky physique in recent months and claimed that his considerable size has a tendency to limit his motion in the ring.
With the sternest test of his career ahead of him, Joshua is leaving no stone unturned and is keen to be light on his feet when he takes to the canvas at the Principality Stadium.
As far back as the first press conference to promote Joshua vs. Parker, ‘AJ’ has hinted that he may come down in weight for the match-up with the Kiwi.
“I was 18st 4lb for the Takam fight but I’m already 17st 8lb now. I’m watching everything I eat. It’s down to experience,” Joshua said last month.
“We will see how I get on in sparring and stuff and tailor it if we need to.
The undefeated heavyweight has been set a target https://t.co/pxkA1nbxA1
— FootballJOE (@FootballJOE) January 9, 2018
“I think I’ve learned about my weight now and as I get older, what I’m eating.
“I think speed is in power. When you’re heavy and you try to club these durable fighters, it’s not that simple just to go ‘boom’.
“Just because I’m the most muscly man, it doesn’t mean I can just hit someone and knock them out.
“It’s the shot that you don’t see coming that knocks you out.
“When I’m quicker – bang, bang, bang – that’s when I can knock my opponents down a lot easier.”
