ANTHONY JOSHUA has claimed he could weigh less than 17 stone for this weekend’s must-win rematch – for the first time since 2014.
The British powerhouse insisted he is “punching like a horse kicking backwards” after slimming down for the Saudi Arabia showdown against Andy Ruiz Jr.
Joshua, 30, looked a shadow of his former self as he showed off his body transformation at an open workout this week.
He weighed a whopping 17st 9lbs before he was dethroned by the chubby Mexican on June 1 in New York.
After being decked four times before the fight was called off, Joshua knew he had to change his game plan for the rematch.
Speaking to BBC Sport, he said: “I may be less than 17 stone. I’m punching loose and heavy – rhythm and flow.
“Before I was trying to bench press a house. I used my body to get where I needed but then I started realising the sweet science of the sport.
“I am punching like a horse kicking backwards right now.
“When Muhammad Ali was training, he said he would build a shack to train in.
“There are clues to success and you have to go back to what it takes to be a great heavyweight champion.
“We had to bring in hard, rough sparring partners. I brought in the toughest and roughest.”
Anthony Joshua weighed 16’6″ when he beat Emanuele Leo on his debutCredit: Getty Images – Getty
AJ was at his biggest before his win over Carlos Takam in CardiffCredit: Sportsfile – Subscription
Joshua’s weight has fluctuated throughout his career, but the Watford-born bruiser has always maintained a muscular physique.
The Brit weighed 16st 6 3/4lbs when he made his professional debut against Emanuele Leo in October 2013.
And he hit an all-time low when he weighed in at 16st 5lbs for his win over Hrvoke Kisicek in November 2013.
Just three months later, he returned to the ring at a menacing 17st 3 1/2lbs to take on Dorian Darch.
After Tyson Fury mocked his “bodybuilding” physique in 2016, AJ joked: “They’re hating on my beach body. If they want, I’ll give them some sessions. They can come train with me.”
And the orthodox champion was at his biggest when he took on Carlos Takam at 18st 2lbs in 2017.
But the 30-year-old has gone back to basics in a desperate attempt to win back his heavyweight titles this weekend.
Anthony Joshua could weigh 9lbs less than his first defeat to Andy Ruiz JrCredit: AP:Associated Press
Anthony Joshua’s career weights
- Emanuele Leo – 16’6 3/4″
- Paul Butlin – 16’8 1/2″
- Hrvoje Kisicek – 16’5″
- Dorian Darch – 17’3 1/2″
- Hector Alfredo Avila – 17’0″
- Matt Legg – 16’12”
- Matt Skelton – 17’1″
- Konstantin Airich – 17’2 1/2″
- Denis Bakhtov – 16’12 1/2″
- Michael Sprott – 17’2″
- Jason Gavern – 17’7″
- Raphael Zumbano – 17’10”
- Kevin Johnson – 17’10 1/2″
- Gary Cornish – 17’11 1/4″
- Dillian Whyte – 17’7″
- Charles Martin – 17’6″
- Dominic Breazeale – 17’5″
- Eric Molina – 17’11”
- Wladimir Klitschko – 17’12”
- Carlos Takam – 18’2″
- Joseph Parker – 17’4″
- Alexander Povetkin – 17’7 1/4″
- Andy Ruiz Jr – 17’9 3/4″
Ruiz Jr was by far the biggest opponent that Joshua has come up against after he stormed into the ring at 19st 2lbs.
The Mexican, who has since swapped Snickers for avocado and spinach omelettes, is aware of AJ’s plan to lose weight.
He told BBC Sport: “I know he lost weight and that he will try and box me around, so it’s my job to prevent that.”
The Brit was at his lightest when he beat Hrvoje Kisicek six years agoCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
Andy Ruiz Jr hopes to god that he can knock Anthony Joshua out as he looks forward to the big fight
Source: Boxing - thesun.co.uk
