ANTHONY JOSHUA has sparked concern amongst his fan base after his dramatic weight loss was revealed in the clearest picture yet.
Promoter Eddie Hearn shared a picture of AJ looking far trimmer than during the first fight with Andy Ruiz Jr, a shock defeat, in New York in June.
Fans have expressed concern for Joshua after he showed off his new lean physiqueCredit: Instagram @eddiehearn
While some fans were excited at the prospect of a more agile Joshua – no longer burdened by oversized muscles – others feared for his safety against the big-punching Ruiz.
Joshua recently revealed he may even weigh in at under 17 stone for the first time since 2014 – having once checked in a 18st 2lbs against Carlos Takam in 2017.
Former British boxing star David Haye backed Joshua in his weight-loss pursuit, suggesting it could make him even more effective against Ruiz.
Hearn posted the latest snap of AJ’s new leaner physique on Instagram with the caption: “When you realise 1. AJ is ready 2. Whatever you do keep your suit on #RuizJoshua2”.
But fans quickly replied to share their concerns at the drastic weight loss, with one writing: “He’s getting flattened.”
“TINY” AJ
Another said: “Jeez he looks tiny”, while a third added: “Can’t believe how much smaller he is from fight 1.”
One went as far as to suggest: “He seems to be emaciated.”
But others were more confident – with AJ perhaps TOO muscular for the first fight at Madison Square Garden, lacking agility and speed.
Responding to Hearn’s tweet, one Instagram user wrote: “Dannnng! Boy looking much healthier without all that extra muscle and weight!
“Lower maintenance bodyweight should hopefully mean WAY fewer recovery demands for bodybuilding and WAY more time, energy and faster recovery for his boxing!”
Another replied: “Finally looks like a boxer and not a pro wrestler”.
One even said: “AJ has won this fight already I cant wait.”
Joshua will take on Ruiz this Saturday in Saudi Arabia, with the ring-walk now confirmed for 9pm GMT.
Anthony Joshua insists he won’t celebrate winning belts back from Andy Ruiz Jr as pair face off in press conference
Source: Boxing - thesun.co.uk
