Nigerian-born world heavyweight boxing champion, Anthony Olaseni Oluwafemi Joshua has gained weight advantage over his mandatory challenger, Oleksandr Usyk, heading into Saturday’s title fight in London, megasportsarena.com reports.
‘AJ’ will put his world titles on the line against the Ukrainian former unbeaten cruiserweight world champion at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, heading into which the Brit weighed-in at more than a stone heavier than Usyk ahead of their world championship heavyweight fight on Saturday night.
Joshua weighed-in at 17st 2lbs (240lbs), while Usyk tipped the scales at 15st 11lbs (221lbs), which is the challenger’s heaviest-ever, but still significantly lighter than that of the IBF, WBA and WBO champion.
It, therefore, promises to be a tough night for the 34-year-old Usyk, who made the step up from cruiserweight after becoming the undisputed champ in 2018, but the southpaw has had just two fights in the heavyweight class, with victories over Chazz Witherspoon and Derrick Chisora.
Joshua also weighed-in at around 240lbs for his last fight over Kubrat Pulev in December last year, before which the 6ft 6in London 2012 Olympic Games gold medalist went from 247.8lbs to 237lbs in his two bouts with Andy Ruiz Jr, who first gave him a shock defeat in June 2019.
After a long face-off, Joshua and Usyk flexed their muscles and hailed each other’s physiques, but any suggestion that Joshua would come in lighter to cope with Usyk’s speed was refuted by his weight.
Joshua told Sky Sports ahead of his 11th consecutive world title fight: “I don’t really watch my weight. I don’t know why there is a big thing about weight.
“Maybe because we are heavyweights so people look at us at our heaviest. I have been there – I was 18st 2lbs at one stage [for the Carlos Takam fight].
“But I still managed to throw a lot of combos and go 10 rounds. Now I should be able to do the 12 rounds easily because weight does make a difference.
“As long as you are loose, nimble. Loose and heavy, relaxed shots. I should be good. I was heavier and doing it so, now that I’m lighter, I should be able to do it with more ease.
“There is no game-plan. Just win. Because you never know what is going to happen when the first bell goes.”
