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      Anthony Joshua weighs in 4lbs HEAVIER for Oleksandr Usyk rematch as he looks to bully lighter unified champ

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      ANTHONY JOSHUA packed on 4lbs in his effort to bully and KO Oleksandr Usyk on Saturday.The 32-year-old Watford ace was 240lbs – 17st 2lbs – for his September loss to the 35-year-old Ukraine king in September.
      Anthony Joshua hits the scales in Saudi ArabiaCredit: Reuters
      Oleksander Usyk weighing in after Anthony JoshuaCredit: Mark Robinson Matchroom Boxing
      Oleksandr Usyk and Anthony Joshua ahead of their rematchCredit: Getty
      And he stripped his top off – but left on his trousers and pants – to make 244lbs on Friday afternoon in Jeddah, before staring down his 13lbs lighter foe.
      The under-pressure challenger said: “I’ll be honest, all of this stuff doesn’t matter, it’s just about the fight. Real talk.
      “All of this stuff, weight, face-off, none of it matters to me. Just looking forward to the fight.”
      Usyk – the former 14st 4lbs undisputed cruiserweight champion of the world – stayed bang-on his 221lbs – 15st 11lbs – mark from the first unanimous points win.
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      Misleading photos of the WBA, IBF and WBO champ looking massive – and Amir Khan’s terrible maths following a visit to his Dubai gym – had some fans thinking Usyk had packed on as much as 2st.

      🥊AJ vs Usyk 2 confirmed fight time, TV and live stream info for Saturday’s blockbuster
      But he was just a quarter-of a-lb over his September weight – technically a career heaviest – and played it ice cool as always when asked if it was an intentional trick.
      “Your expectations are not met every time,” he grinned.
      Joshua added: “I’m just ready for 12 rounds, 100 per cent ready for 12 rounds and anything short of that is a bonus.”
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      Joshua was beaten over 12 rounds last year at Tottenham’s stadium, surrendering the unified belts.
      But he has now linked up with American boxing mastermind Robert Garcia, promising a seek-and-destroy approach.
      Oleksandr Usyk and Anthony Joshua face off for the final timeCredit: AP More

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      Anthony Joshua to adopt ‘African and Mexican’ fighting styles against Usyk and says rival ‘needs to work harder’ to win

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      ANTHONY JOSHUA will adopt a hybrid of African and Mexican fighting styles for his crunch clash with Oleksandr Usyk.AJ, 32, brought in renowned world champion coach Robert Garcia to cook up an aggressive game plan for Saturday night’s Saudi showdown after a timid display last time out.
      Anthony Joshua will renew his rivalry with Oleksandr Usyk on Saturday nightCredit: GETTY
      The Brit was turned over by Usyk in their Tottenham tussle last SeptemberCredit: GETTY
      AJ plans to adopt a hybrid of “African” and “Mexican” fighting styles for the rematchCredit: Getty
      And the Brit plans to add a bit of African flavour to Garcia’s famed Mexican-esque pressure style.
      The two-time heavyweight champion told Boxing Social: “We’ll see the African style, life, that’s all that matters.
      “I’m taking African style to Mexican style…both hard-working people…I respect the Mexican culture.”
      Joshua is confident the addition of Garcia will lead to a tougher night at the office for Usyk, who turned him over in their Tottenham tussle last September.
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      The Watford warrior said: “He needs to work harder to beat me. Listen, boxing’s a dog fight at the end of the day, it’s in me.”
      “If you’re a boxer, then you have it in you. It never left anyway.”
      Joshua doesn’t plan on outpointing his way to revenge against Usyk as he did in his 2019 rematch with Andy Ruiz Jr.

      🥊AJ vs Usyk 2 confirmed fight time, TV and live stream info for Saturday’s blockbuster
      The London 2012 medallist said: “I will do my best and win by knockout.”
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      Mexican-American Garcia and the rest of Team Joshua will push AJ to go for the kill if he rests on his laurels.
      He told Sky Sports: “Can he win by decision? Yes. I know that he can also win by decision because if he controls the fight with his long punches, using a lot of jabs, even though we want him to back him up.
      “But if he just uses the reach and that half distance where he’s controlling the fight, he could easily win a decision too.
      “But, does he have the power, does he have the strength, has Usyk been dropped before? Yes.
      “Does he like body shots? Probably not because he’s been dropped a few times with body shots.
      Read More on The Sun
      “Can he knock him out? I think so. And that’s what we’re going for.
      “I think Anthony knows it himself, and myself and Angel Fernandez, we’re going to push him to go for the knockout.”
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      Ukraine boxing fans to watch for FREE after amazing Usyk gesture while Joshua supporters fork out record £26.95

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      AN ENTIRE nation will back Oleksandr Usyk on Saturday night — but it is not just rival Anthony Joshua they have in their sights.Millions of Ukrainians will be glued to their screens thanks to the generous gesture by Usyk, who gave away the TV rights for free.
      Oleksandr Usyk will give Ukraine a massive boost if he retains his world heavyweight titles while his country battles on against RussiaCredit: Getty
      Oleksandr Usyk gave away TV rights for free, enabling millions of Ukrainians to watch him take on Anthony Joshua for freeCredit: AP
      They are hoping he delivers a devastating blow to AJ but also gives tyrant Vladimir Putin a bloody nose, too.
      The bout is expected to raise $1million to help the war effort and a Usyk victory will provide a huge boost to morale.
      Boxing fan Maksyn Drobot, 28, said: “This fight means more than boxing, it means more than sport.
      “This fight is about the future of our nation because Usyk is flying our flag.
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      “He will show Putin that we are a nation of warriors who will never be defeated.”
      The world heavyweight title rematch has gripped the war-ravaged country.
      After six months of conflict since Russia’s invasion, the people are desperate for a brief respite from the daily trauma of war.
      Sport provides that and boxing has a proud heritage in Ukraine thanks to former greats such as Vitali Klitschko, now mayor of Kyiv.

      🥊AJ vs Usyk 2 confirmed fight time, TV and live stream info for Saturday’s blockbuster
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       Usyk, 35, could have made millions selling the TV rights to the Jeddah fight after Saudi Arabia gifted them to him.
      Instead, companies will sponsor the broadcast and donate to the cause while an app called MEGOGO will carry a QR code during the fight to allow viewers to chip in.
      Usyk said: “This is a great motivation for my people. My Ukrainian people must see this match.
      “We are currently at war. Free broadcasting is very important, the money that people could have used to buy the broadcast, they can use to help someone.”
      Maksyn, an IT worker from Lviv, said: “Giving free TV coverage  to the entire country is an incredible gesture.
      “We were united anyway but this brings us even closer together. 
      “We cannot imagine anything other than a Usyk victory.”
      In contrast to Ukrainians, those in the UK will have to fork out £26.95 to watch the bout on Sky Sports Box Office.
      If Usyk retains the WBA, IBF and WBO belts he took off of AJ in September, celebrations will be muted as a  curfew remains in force from 11.30pm to 6am.
      Those closest to Usyk  have also been rallying the nation and their man.
      Usyk’s wife, Yekaterina, said: “Russia invaded our country and took our lands. We have to fight for our territory.”
      And promoter Alex Krassyuk said: “None of us wanted war. But when thieves break into your home, you protect yourself.
      “When enemies come, our sacred duty is to protect our family, our relatives, our Motherland.
      “Usyk was no exception in this situation.”
      Even if Usyk does lose, the people’s resolve will not break. Maksyn warned: “Even if Joshua manages to land a lucky punch, Putin should know that Ukraine will never be knocked down.” More

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      Not in 130 years of heavyweight fights has there been a win that could inspire a nation in Ukraine if Usyk beats Joshua

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      ANTHONY JOSHUA, unless Oleksandr Usyk, kicks sand in his face, will become the third British fighter to regain the world heavyweight title for a second time.He will join Lennox Lewis and Herbie Hide, who twice lost the crown yet bounced back to recapture it on two occasions.
      Anthony Joshua faces Oleksandr Usyk in their rematch in Saudi Arabia on Saturday nightCredit: Getty
      AJ is bidding to become a three-time heavyweight world championCredit: Getty
      AJ will find it extremely difficult to get his WBA, IBF and WBO belts back from the man who treated him to a 12-round masterclass of magical skills and tactical brilliance 11 months ago in London.
      But he must know it’s going to be that much harder because Usyk isn’t only a virtuoso of the noble art but he’s going to be doubly inspired by 40 million fellow Ukrainians willing him to win.
      Boxing’s most exciting, glamorous and lucrative division has been responsible for so many outstanding moments featuring giant personalities like Jack Johnson, Jack Dempsey, Joe Louis, Rocky Marciano, Muhammad Ali and Mike Tyson.
      But never throughout it’s rich and colourful 130-year history has there ever been a fight where the outcome is more than likely to influence the morale of an an entire nation.
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      Inevitably it’s Ukraine’s horrific and heart-breaking war with Russia, that’s the overwhelming factor that engulfs this Saudi Arabian, desert dust-up.
      Usyk when he stands in the ring listening to the Ukrainian national anthem as he waits the opening bell will have to have nerves of steel if he’s not going to be overcome with emotion.
      President Volodymyr Zelenskey, has been in touch with him throughout the build-up and there’s no doubt he would have emphasised the vital importance of Usyk returning victorious to Kyiv.
      I believe Max Schmeling is the only other fighter who can be compared to Usyk.
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      He was put under extreme stress by his Head of State before he challenged Joe Louis, at Yankee Stadium, New York in June, 1938 – his name was Adolf Hitler.
      Schmeling had sensationally KO’d the unbeaten Brown Bomber two years before.
      Hitler and the Nazi party immediately embraced him and because he’d flattened a black man, used him as a propaganda tool to prove to the world the superiority of the Aryan race.
      Max was often invited to the Reich Chancellory to take afternoon tea and have dinner with Hitler, Geobbels and Goring.
      It was made abundantly clear to Schmeling what was expected of him before he sailed to America for his return with Louis and how important his success was to the German people. 
      Louis brutally took just 124 seconds to destroy the myth of Aryan supremacy and poor Max ended up six weeks in hospital with two fractured vertebrae.
      When he eventually got back to Berlin, Hitler and his gang dropped him like a mouldy bratwurst.
      Not that Usyk will suffer the same fate if he should lose to Joshua – but I’m sure having beaten AJ once he’s confident of a repeat performance.

      🥊AJ vs Usyk 2 confirmed fight time, TV and live stream info for Saturday’s blockbuster
      AJ admits his strategy was completely wrong last year – trying to outbox a maestro like Usyk was the utmost folly.
      He surely now realises there’s only one way he can restore his reputation and the faith of his fans.
      He’s got to use his size, strength and power to rough up the champion and take him out of his comfort zone – exactly what he should have done the first time.
      Let’s face facts – Joshua has not been the same since he suffered that shock seventh round defeat against roly-poly Andy Ruiz after being floored four times at Madison Square Garden.
      In the return AJ easily outpointed Ruiz but was so cautious and stood so far off him you would have thought the American was suffering from Covid. 
      Though in his next fight he stopped Kubrat Pulev in nine rounds.
      Though there were definite signs he was gun shy and the evidence that he was very wary of exposing himself to danger was there for all to see when he fought Usyk.
      It will be interesting to see what changes – if any – his new trainer Robert Garcia has introduced.
      Joshua is 32 and has been a pro ten years – a bit late in the day to try to change the habits of a lifetime.  
      But I don’t believe Usyk, who has bulked up a bit despite the turmoil and trauma he’s been through since the Russians invaded his country, has lost any of his talent or technique.
      Read More on The Sun
      Usyk is on a crusade and is fighting more for the flag than himself.
      I expect once again he will prove to be too clever for AJ –  and I won’t be surprised if this time he scores a late stoppage.
      Unbeaten Ukrainian Usyk outpointed AJ at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium last SeptemberCredit: Reuters
      British icon Joshua has vowed to be more aggressive in his second bout with UsykCredit: AFP More

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      Inside the King Abdullah Sports City Stadium and why the 10,000 capacity venue is better for Usyk than Anthony Joshua

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      ANTHONY JOSHUA had 60,000 fans keeping him honourably on his feet against Oleksandr Usyk in Tottenham 11 months ago.But that safety blanket of support has been whipped from under him in exchange for Saudi cash, leaving him needing a magic carpet to get out unscathed if he finds himself drowning again in the Red Sea.
      Joshua and Usyk will take to the ring on SaturdayCredit: Supplied
      The fight will take place at the King Abdullah Sports City ArenaCredit: Supplied
      The venue is situated in Jeddah, Saudi ArabiaCredit: Facebook – King Abdullah Sports City
      The hosting 10,000-seater King Abdullah Sport City arena is little over a mile away from the Jeddah Superdome that was falsely advertised as the venue — but a far cry from the 35,000 seater spectacle.
      And despite the tight walls and steep stairs, the place will be utterly devoid of the atmosphere that has, in AJ’s most iconic nights, inspired him to victory.
      The standard tickets — available right up until the first bell from a number of outlets in the many, many super-malls — are priced around £90.
      That has alienated any of the working-class fans who might have paid much closer to £20 to watch any of the greedy football clubs who have visited to flog their brands in recent years.
      Read More on Joshua vs Usyk
      Joshua did not need the silent crowd that witnessed his 2019 cautious points win over an obese Andy Ruiz Jr in Diriyah.
      But — despite the pandemic fears and lockdowns —  he insisted on having a 1,000 strong army inside Wembley Arena when he eventually battered Kubrat Pulev in December 2020.

      Britain’s national treasure appears to need us almost as much as we love him.
      George Groves retired on his 2018 loss to Callum Smith in the same soulless site and admitted his whole experience was a drag.
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      🥊 Joshua vs Usyk: All the TV, stream and undercard info ahead of Saturday’s heavyweight bout
      Amir Khan’s four-round battering of Billy Dib the following year was, by his own typically honest  admission, nothing but a cash grab against an overmatched and far smaller opponent.
      Unlike AJ’s last trip to Riyadh, where hosts rushed up an outdoor arena on a Unesco site of historical importance, this venue is more like the arenas boxing’s mid-range UK shows visit in Sheffield, Nottingham and Stratford’s Copper Box.
      When AJ seriously struggled in his London 2012 Olympics opener against Cuban ace Erislandy Savon, the home crowd helped convince the judges to give him the victory that eventually set him on the way to gold-medal glory.
      In a number of professional wins he has been hurt early — by the likes Dillian Whyte, Alexander Povetkin and Wladimir Klitschko.
      But his huge heart and confidence have been boosted by a totally partisan crowd that grew from 20,000 at The O2 to 90,000 at Wembley Stadium.
      Ukrainian Usyk on the other hand — with an amateur record of 335-15 — will be perfectly versed in boxing in soulless and almost empty venues.
      He was public enemy No 1 in north London last time and still had the crowd eating out of the palm of his hand.
      Everything about this venue plays into Usyk’s heavy hands. It is just another card stacked against our AJ.
      Emerging from this stark desert victorious, with his three belts regained, will truly make him the comeback king — with sadly no congregation to celebrate with.
      Usyk and Joshua came face to face for the weigh-in on FridayCredit: Getty More

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      Deontay Wilder claims Tyson Fury is ‘going to have to retire’ as old rival has ‘a lot of stuff going on’

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      DEONTAY WILDER claims a mystery problem will force Tyson Fury to retire from boxing.The American heavyweight reckons that the saga over Fury’s on-off status as an active fighter will be brought to an end by circumstances outside of his control.
      Fury lands a left on Wilder as he was victorious in their final trilogy boutCredit: AP
      Wilder lost twice to Fury in their epic trilogy, with Fury snatching the Bronze Bomber’s WBC crown.
      And Wilder claims Fury hanging up his gloves will open up the whole heavyweight division, ahead of the huge clash between Anthony Joshua and Oleksandr Usyk.
      Wilder told Boxing News 24 and Fighthype: “Yeah, I think he’s going to have to retire. I mean, he’s going to have to. Yeah, a lot of stuff is going on.
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      “I’m not even going to get into it, but it’s looking like he’s going to have to.
      “Once that happens, all things are up for grabs. I can’t give too much information out. I don’t really want to discuss it.
      “There are going to be a lot of changes in the division, opportunities, and a lot of different things lined up. Stay tuned.”
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      Wilder faces Robert Helenius in Brooklyn, New York, next month.
      And it sounds like he still has hopes of being a world champion, especially if Usyk defeats Brit AJ in Saudi Arabia.
      Wilder added: “I’m going with Usyk in this fight against Joshua.
      “I’ve said that. I’m sticking with my word on this fight.” More

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      I used to work in a energy company call centre – now I’m fighting on the undercard of Joshua against Usyk live on Sky

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      BOSNIAN boxer Petar Nosic used to answer calls for an energy company – now he is fighting on Anthony Joshua’s undercard. The super-middleweight faces rising British star Ben Whittaker, who last year won Olympic silver.
      Ben Whittaker will fight Petar Nosic in Saudi ArabiaCredit: Getty
      Nosic’s office for the night will be in the ring against Whittaker, before AJ headlines in a rematch with Oleksandr Usyk.
      So it marks quite the journey from working in Ireland answering the phone at energy provider Green Star.
      Nosic, 23, began boxing only in 2015 and after six months he was already representing Bosnia.
      And it was in one European Championship bout that he actually boxed Whittaker, losing in the second round.
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      Nosic told The42: “I had only been boxing for seven or eight months.
      “I wasn’t really ready for that level; not ready physically and even less ready mentally.
      “His team definitely know about that fight — but that was seven years ago, you know?
      “I was a beginner, then. Now, I’m obviously more prepared. I know what I’ve come here to do.
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      “But Ben has also improved. He took silver at the Olympics and is obviously a very, very good boxer.
      “So, we’ve both improved in our own ways… and we’ll see what happens Saturday.
      “It’s actually a good thing but I think they’re definitely underestimating me.
      “See, I see this as an opportunity to show myself to the world, you know?”
      Nosic moved to Cork in 2018 and before looking for an amateur boxing club to train at, he needed to first find a job.
      He worked as a kitchen porter before switching to customer services for Green Star.
      Nosic boxed in Ireland for three years but moved back home during the early stages of the coronavirus pandemic.
      He has remained there ever since, turning professional in 2021 and since going 6-0.

      🥊AJ vs Usyk 2 confirmed fight time, TV and live stream info for Saturday’s blockbuster
      Whittaker, 25, plans to use Saturday night’s Sky Sports Box Office event to further announce his name to the boxing world.
      His promoters have high hopes and believe they have got the nation’s next star on their hands.
      But for Nosic, he plans to rip up the script and derail 1-0 Whittaker’s hype train before it has even left the station.
      He said: “I could never go in with the mentality just to stick around until you hear the last bell.
      “That’s not the way I think. That’s not the way I process things.
      “Every time I have ever been in the ring, I have gone in there to win. I go in there to try to finish the guy.
      Whatever happens happens — but I’m always confident in my preparations, I know what I have to do.
      “I’ve sacrificed the last, I don’t know, seven or eight years of my life training constantly to get an opportunity like this.
      Read More on The Sun
      “I’ve never had a training camp in my life: my whole career is training camp. Even when I’m on holiday, I train.
      “So, that’s where the confidence comes from and I need to have that mentality.
      “I can’t go into a fight just to put up a good fight, you know? I fight to win.”
      Petar Nosic fights on the undercard of Oleksandr Usyk and Anthony Joshua’s rematchCredit: Getty
      Ben Whittaker is tipped as Britain’s next boxing hopeCredit: Reuters More

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      Anthony Joshua vs Oleksandr Usyk 2 weigh in LIVE REACTION: Usyk SAME weight as last time, AJ 4lbs more – latest

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      ANTHONY JOSHUA and Oleksandr Usyk faced off TODAY in an intriguing weigh-in ahead of their huge rematch.Joshua weighed in 17st 6st..and Usyk was pretty much the same as last time on 15st 11lbs.
      There had been talk Usyk was going to bulk up but he’s around the same as last time while AJ is 4lbs more.
      Stick with us here on SunSport as we bring you the latest reaction from the weigh-in and preview the huge main event this weekend.

      Get Anthony Joshua to beat Oleksandr Usyk at HUGE 70/1 with BetVictor special offer
      Weigh-in wrapped
      So that’s that, the weigh ins are done which means that the only thing we have left now is the fight itself!
      Can AJ get his revenge and become a three-time champ?
      Or will Usyk cement himself further as one of the greatest of all time?
      We can’t wait! See you tomorrow for SunSport’s live coverage of the fight over here.
      Fight night timings
      Those crucial ring walk times for tomorrow night.
      And we’re now just HOURS away.

      Anthony Joshua vs Oleksandr Usyk 2 (10.54pm) – World heavyweight championship WBA ‘super’, IBF, IBO and WBO – 12 rounds
      Filip Hrgovic vs Zhilei Zhang (9.52pm) – IBF heavyweight final eliminator – 12 rounds
      Callum Smith vs Mathieu Bauderlique (8.50pm) – WBC light-heavyweight final eliminator – 12 rounds
      Badou Jack vs Richard Rivera (7.18pm) – cruiserweight – 10 rounds
      Ziyad Almaayouf vs Jose Alatorre (6.48pm) – super-lightweight – 4 rounds
      Ramla Ali vs Crystal Garcia Nova (6.10pm) – super-bantamweight – 8 rounds
      Andrew Tabiti vs James Wilson (5.24pm) – heavyweight – 8 rounds
      Ben Whittaker vs Peter Nosic (4.46pm) – light-heavyweight – 6 rounds
      Daniel Lapin vs Josef Jurko (4.03pm) – heavyweight – 8 rounds
      Bader Alsamreen vs Faud Tarverdi (3.30pm) – super lightweight – 6 rounds
      Rashed Belhassa aka Money Kicks vs Traycho Georgiev (3pm) – welterweight – 4 rounds

      AJ speaks
      Joshua spoke after the final face off before tomorrow night’s huge, huge fight.
      The challenger said: “It was just a face-off and I always say they mean nothing, they don’t win fights.
      “All of this stuff doesn’t matter, weight, face-offs, fight, nothing else matters to me but the fight.
      “I am 100 per cent ready to 12 rounds anything less than that is a bonus.”
      Credit: Reuters
      Weight is over
      Joshua has packed on 4lbs in his effort to bully and KO Oleksandr Usyk tonight.
      The 32-year-old Watford ace was 240lbs – 17st 2lbs – for his September loss to the 35-year-old Ukraine king in September.
      And he stripped his top off – but left on his trousers and pants – to make 244lbs on Friday afternoon in Jeddah, before staring down his 13lbs lighter foe.

      Usyk’s weight
      So Oleksandr Usyk didn’t put on the pounds after all…
      Great bit of gamesmanship there from the champ.
      He’s pretty much the same weight as the first fight.
      Credit: Getty
      Usyk weighs in
      100.5kgs for Oleksandr Usyk!
      That’s 15st 11lbs for Usyk. Only very slightly more than his 15st 8lbs from last time.
      Going for speed…
      Joshua weighs in
      110.9kgs for Anthony Joshua!
      That’s 17st 6lbs for AJ. Only 4lbs more than last time.
      Usyk makes his walk
      And flanked by his world titles Oleksandr Usyk is walking out now.
      Here we go!
      Here comes AJ
      Anthony Joshua is walking out first as the challenger!
      AJ showing a poker face.
      Usyk out next.
      Heavyweight prelude
      And before the main event tomorrow night there’s a heavyweight IBF title eliminator between Croatian star Filip Hrgovic and China’s Zhilei Zhang.
      And this means it is Joshua vs Usyk up NEXT!

      Callum Smith in title eliminator
      Brit former world champ Callum Smith (left) is in a final IBF light-heavyweight eliminator tomorrow night against Mathieu Bauderlique.

      Lapin it up
      Oleksandr Usyk isn’t the only Ukrainian star on the bill tomorrow night.
      Unbeaten heavyweight Daniel Lapin continues his fledgling career against Jozef Jurko.

      Money Kicking off
      YouTuber Money Kicks aka Rashed Belhassa opens up the show tomorrow night against Traycho Georgiev.

      Ben Whittaker tips the scales
      Britain’s Olympic silver medalist Ben Whittaker is here!
      Whittaker has his second pro fight on the bill, and is represented by Joshua’s management company too, with AJ specifically making sure he was on the show.

      Full fight timings for tomorrow night
      Those all-important fight times for tomorrow night.
      Roll on 10.54pm…

      Anthony Joshua vs Oleksandr Usyk 2 (10.54pm) – World heavyweight championship WBA ‘super’, IBF, IBO and WBO – 12 rounds
      Filip Hrgovic vs Zhilei Zhang (9.52pm) – IBF heavyweight final eliminator – 12 rounds
      Callum Smith vs Mathieu Bauderlique (8.50pm) – WBC light-heavyweight final eliminator – 12 rounds
      Badou Jack vs Richard Rivera (7.18pm) – cruiserweight – 10 rounds
      Ziyad Almaayouf vs Jose Alatorre (6.48pm) – super-lightweight – 4 rounds
      Ramla Ali vs Crystal Garcia Nova (6.10pm) – super-bantamweight – 8 rounds
      Andrew Tabiti vs James Wilson (5.24pm) – heavyweight – 8 rounds
      Ben Whittaker vs Peter Nosic (4.46pm) – light-heavyweight – 6 rounds
      Daniel Lapin vs Josef Jurko (4.03pm) – heavyweight – 8 rounds
      Bader Alsamreen vs Faud Tarverdi (3.30pm) – super lightweight – 6 rounds
      Rashed Belhassa aka Money Kicks vs Traycho Georgiev (3pm) – welterweight – 4 rounds

      Eddie Hearn in the house
      The Matchroom promoter is here. And away we go with the undercard bouts.
      Weigh ins starting from now.

      Not long to go!
      Just over 30 mins and the fighters will be tipping the scales.
      Wil Usyk really be coming in a STONE heavier?
      Not long to go until we find out…
      Holyfield previews the big one
      Boxing legend Evander Holyfield has spelled out what Antony Joshua needs to do to defeat Oleksandr Usyk.
      Holyfield told Sky Sports: “He [Joshua] has to fight like a big guy.
      “He can’t sit there and play tag with this guy. He’s got to hit him with big shots.
      “It’s like having a little brother, when you try to grab him if you don’t keep up he moves too much, you have got to grab him and put all that weight on him.”
      Credit: PA
      Last time out
      Usyk tipped the scales at 15st 8lbs for their first fight one year ago.
      But this time he could be nearly a whole stone heavier with the Ukrainian ace looking to have bulked up considerably.
      AJ was 17st 2lbs last time, and has been looking even trimmer in recent pictures.

      Deontay WIlder predicts
      Wilder, who makes his big return to the ring on October 15, has made his prediction for tomorrow night.
      Wilder, 36, told FightHype: “I’m going with Usyk in this fight. I’ve said that after that fight and I’m sticking with my word on this one.
      “Usyk just looks more confident than ever now and when you look at Joshua he just looks like a different man.”

      Joshua’s new trainer on Usyk
      Anthony Joshua’s new trainer is the first to admit his man’s preparation has been far from perfect.
      No-nonsense Robert Garcia replaced Team GB mastermind Robert McCracken for AJ’s must-win world heavyweight title rematch against Oleksandr Usyk tomorrow night.
      Garcia said: “The whole boxing world knows he can’t outbox Usyk. So we have to put smart pressure on him.
      “Usyk is a very talented fighter, his combinations, he has a great jab, a great straight-right hand, right hands to the body, stuff like that.
      “Instead of training to box, we have to train for a fight going forward. But we are also not going in to become a brawler, we have to do it smart.”
      Credit: PA
      Can I listen to Usyk vs AJ 2 on radio?
      talkSPORT have the exclusive rights for the big fight and you can listen to it all for FREE.
      The station’s Fight Night team will be made up of be presenters Adam Catterall and Gareth A Davies, commentator Andy Clarke, sports broadcaster Ade Oladipo and former bantamweight boxer Spencer Oliver.
      How to watch Usyk vs Joshua 2?
      Anthony Joshua vs Oleksandr Usyk 2 will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Box Office in the UK, and DAZN in the rest of the world.
      The event starts at 6pm on Sky Sports Box Office (Sky channel 491/ HD 492), and costs £26.95 to purchase.
      To watch it online, book through the Sky Sports Box Office app and website.
      If you don’t have a Box Office account, you’ll still be able to sign up and buy the fight.
      DAZN will be showing the fight in 190+ countries outside of the UK
      Usyk vs Joshua fight purse
      Joshua and Usyk completed the biggest ever site deal, with Saudi Arabia agreeing to pay £65m to stage the fight.
      This time around, with Usyk going in as the champ there is a straight 50/50 split – so it is at least £32.5m each BEFORE PPV buys.
      Joshua on Fury fight
      Anthony Joshua has joked he will lure heavyweight rival Tyson Fury back into boxing should he beat Oleksandr Usyk in their rematch.
      The Gypsy King called time on his glistening career in April after brutally knocking out Dillian Whyte at Wembley to retain his WBC title.
      Speaking on a media call ahead of his rematch to face Usyk, Joshua was asked whether he can bring Fury out of retirement should he beat the unbeaten Ukrainian.`
      To which a laughing AJ said: “Yeah I can bring him out of retirement, 100 per cent.
      “I think he’ll bring himself out of retirement, you hear what I’m saying? I think he’ll bring himself out of retirement, s***…”
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