ANTHONY JOSHUA has promised fans a picture perfect night of boxing against Oleksandr Usyk as the pair posed for a selfie together.
The ultra-respectful and talented heavyweights, who both won gold at the London 2012 Olympics, will fight at Tottenham’s stadium on Saturday night.
Trash talk and threats were ditched for compliments ahead of AJ’s mandatory title defence.
And after he weighed in at 17st 2lb, more than a full stone heavier than 15st 8lb Usyk, the two smiled for a selfie.
Joshua, 31, has vowed to give value for money to those 60,000-plus fans at Spurs home as well as all the viewers buying on pay-per-view.
He said: “I respect the man, he’s achieved phenomenal things so what more can I say other than good luck on the weekend and I hope it is a good fight for everyone that’s comes out.
“Because I know how hard people work to put their money into this type of stuff. Good seats, pay-per-view buys and stuff like that, so we’re going to deliver.
“Respect for him training, putting himself in this position and respect to my team for getting me here as well.”
Joshua tipped the scales at an almost identical weight before he beat Kubrat Pulev, 40, in December, his last fight.
Suggestions he would match the same 16st 13lb that helped him beat Andy Ruiz Jr, 32, proved false.
And going as high as 18stone, like was the case against Carlos Takam, 40, in 2018 also appear a thing of the past.
Joshua said: “I don’t really watch my weight, I don’t really look at it like that.
“I am what I am at the end of the day, I don’t know why there is this big thing about weights.
“I think because we’re heavyweights people normally look at us when we’re at our heaviest but I’ve been there.
🥊 Joshua vs Usyk: All the TV, stream and undercard info ahead of Saturday’s heavyweight bout
“I was at 18-something at one stage, but I still managed to throw a load of combos, went ten rounds so, I should be able to do the 12 rounds easily.
“Weight doesn’t make a difference and also, so long as you’re loose, you’re nimble, loose and heavy, relaxed shots, I should be good.
“As I said, I don’t watch the weight, but if I was heavier and doing it, no I’m lighter I should be able to do it with a lot more ease.”
Source: Boxing - thesun.co.uk
