Former world champion Anthony Joshua has posted a video to social media showing final preparations for his upcoming bout against heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk.
In it, AJ looks menacing and ready for battle, and contrary to recent rumours, doesn’t seem to be any leaner than in previous bouts.
Out my hands and leave in God's 🤲🏾 pic.twitter.com/f7gPF9ojkL
— Anthony Joshua (@anthonyjoshua) August 16, 2022
Earlier this month, Joshua had posted images of his ongoing training in which he appeared slimmer than he did in the first encounter with Usyk.
Mid session sippin’ 🥤@LucozadeSportpic.twitter.com/rqIdoKWAhH
— Anthony Joshua (@anthonyjoshua) August 12, 2022
A fan even wrote:
“Joshua looks in great shape. Leaner and lighter.”
The most recent post, however, perhaps suggests he might actually tip the scales slightly heavier than the 240 lbs he weighed in the defeat last year at Tottenham Hotspur stadium.
On a similar note, much has also been made of Usyk’s physique with most agreeing that he looks bulkier than ever before.
Usyk weighed in at a career high 221 lbs for his first fight with Joshua. Some fans believe that by coming in heavier, Usyk is now looking for a knockout win against Joshua. However, others worry that by coming in heavy, Usyk will give up advantages such as his hand speed and footwork that allowed him to outbox Joshua to a unanimous decision victory last year.
Boxing fans will soon find out if there is any merit to these claims when the pair take to the scales on Friday.
Usyk and Joshua clash for the unified championship this Saturday, in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia at the King Abdulla Sports City Arena in a bid to cement themselves as the number one heavyweight in the world.