More stories

  • in

    Idris Elba, Mo Farah, Mason Mount and other Prem stars watch on in shock as Oleksandr Usyk BEATS Anthony Joshua

    THE stars came out in force to support Anthony Joshua as he took on Oleksandr Usyk at the Tottenham Hotspur stadium.But Idris Elba, Mo Farahmm Mason Mount and Co watched on in shock as the Ukrainian shocked hometown hero AJ to win heavyweight gold.
    Hollywood A-lister Idris Elba supported his pal Anthony JoshuaCredit: Mark Robinson Matchroom Boxing
    Mason Mount poses with presenter Josh DenzelCredit: ©Eddie Keogh Matchroom Boxing
    Declan Rice takes a phone call in the standsCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
    But Oleksandr Usyk shocked AJ to win heavyweight goldCredit: Getty
    The eagerly anticipated heavyweight fight between the two proved to be a big draw for the showbiz world.
    Celebrities from the world of acting to Premier League footballers, all were in tow to cheer AJ on.
    But AJ could not get the job done as he lost a unanimous defeat to the brilliant Usyk.
    Hollywood A-lister Idris Elba looked stylish in a sweatshirt and beanie hat as he awaited his pal’s bout.
    Arsenal fan Mo Farah put his footballing allegiances aside by stepping into his team’s rival’s home to watch the match.
    The Premier League was represented by two Three Lions heroes from the Euros.

    FREE BETS: GET OVER £2,000 IN NEW CUSTOMER DEALS

    Chelsea star Mason Mount looked the part in a floral jacket, as he posed with presenter Josh Denzel.
    While West Ham star Declan Rice was pictured in his seat talking on his mobile phone.
    Boxing stars Josh Buatsi and Frazer Clarke were also in attendance to see proceedings.
    However, all the famous faces would’ve been disappointed with the fight result in what was a disappointing night for Joshua.
    Britain’s WBA, IBF and WBO world heavyweight champion was out-boxed by the cunning Ukrainian southpaw Usyk – losing a unanimous and indisputable decision.
    Joshua ended the fight pinned to the ropes by a flurry of punches – and that late flourish came after Usyk had already built up an unassailable lead on the judges’ scorecards.
    Mo Farah put aside his Arsenal allegiance to visit the Tottenham Hotspur StadiumCredit: ©Eddie Keogh Matchroom Boxing
    Olympic bronze medallist Frazer Clarke poses for the cameraCredit: Mark Robinson Matchroom Boxing
    Boxing star Josh Buatsi was also in attendanceCredit: Mark Robinson Matchroom Boxing
    After his stunning knock-out defeat by Andy Ruiz Jr in New York in 2019, this defeat – Joshua’s first on home soil – felt nowhere near as freakish.
    Usyk was the superior craftsman and thoroughly deserved his victory.
    There is likely to be a rematch next year, but for now Usyk will enjoy his moment and return to the Ukraine to see his family.
    Joshua will lick his wounds and ponder what could’ve been, for now.
    Joshua is now at a crossroads but could exercise his right for a rematchCredit: Reuters
    Fans flock to see Anthony Joshua defend his titles against Usyk More

  • in

    Anthony Joshua feared to have suffered eye socket damage and taken to hospital for assessment after Oleksandr Usyk loss

    ANTHONY JOSHUA was taken to hospital with a suspected broken eye socket after his battering by Oleksandr Usyk.And promoter Eddie Hearn revealed the deposed heavyweight champ could not see out of it after the ninth round of his heavy points defeat.
    Usyk unloads a left hand on AJ on his way to a famous heavyweight win
    Anthony Joshua was taken to hospital after losing to Oleksandr UsykCredit: Rex

    Joshua failed to make use of his 18lb weight advantage over former cruiserweight king Usyk, who landed a barrage of heavy southpaw shots throughout the bout at the Tottenham Hotspur stadium.
    By the 10th round of a thrilling contest, AJ had a visible black and swollen eye as Usyk took control of the bout.
    The Ukrainian finished with a flourish in the final rounds to put the result beyond doubt and seal the unanimous 117-112, 116-112 and 115-113 win at the new White Hart Lane.
    Joshua was promptly escorted from the ring and taken to hospital for tests.
    Hearn said afterwards: “He will go to hospital.
    “I don’t know if he has broken his eye socket, it doesn’t look great.”
    “He said he couldn’t see after the ninth round, obviously he was getting tagged a lot as well.
    “His power looked like it had left him, the tank was empty and it was only heart which kept him on his feet in the 12th round.”
    Hearn also said AJ would have a mandatory rematch and the Brit felt he already knew how he could beat Usyk next time around.
    Hearn told BBC Radio 5 Live: “He is already talking about the rematch now.
    “The first thing he said was ‘I know I can beat him, I know exactly what I have to do’.
    “(He said that) back in the changing room just now. You talk about the rematch, but doing it is something very different.”
    “Knowing AJ, knowing the position he is in, knowing that he will have a shot to get his belts back, there is absolutely nothing else he will do other than a rematch.”
    Joshua later posted on Instagram: “Keep positive even if the world’s crumbling in front of you!
    “London I love you & thank you each and every time!”
    British former super-middleweight champion Carl Froch was a pundit for the fight and said the damage to AJ’s face looked significant but not serious.
    Froch added he felt AJ had shown “too much respect” to Usyk whose head movement and ring craft were the key factors as Usyk claimed AJ’s heavyweight WBA, IBF and WBO belts.
    Anthony Joshua was taken to hospital with a suspected broken eye socketCredit: Reuters

    FREE BETS: GET OVER £2,000 IN NEW CUSTOMER DEALS

    Joshua ended the fight pinned to the ropes by a flurry of punches from Usyk who said afterwards he felt he could have knocked his opponent out.
    The result is the latest obstacle to AJ finally facing fellow Brit Tyson Fury in a fight the boxing world have long wanted to see.
    That showdown had already been derailed because the Gypsy King now has to fight American Deontay Wilder for a third time on October 9.

    Anthony Joshua vs Oleksandr Usyk round by round More

  • in

    Anthony Joshua missed two months with five-year-old son JJ in huge sacrifice to train for Oleksandr Usyk bout

    ANTHONY JOSHUA missed out on two months of his son’s life to focus on beating Oleksandr Usyk.The heavyweight king, father of five-year-old JJ, puts his three world title belts and fighting future on  the line at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
    Anthony Joshua missed out on two months of son JJ’s life to prepare for his fight with Oleksandr UsykCredit: Instagram @anthonyjoshua
    Joshua makes another defence of his world heavyweight belts on Saturday night
    AJ  revealed the painful sacrifices he has made to stay lean and mean — before weighing in yesterday at 17st 2lb. He said:  “I made the sacrifice, I stayed in camp this time.
    “I used to go home on the weekends to try and catch up with family and stuff. But this time around I stayed in camp.
    “I didn’t really see my family and my boy over that period. I just made that commitment to live an actual boxer’s life rather than going home every weekend.
    “But sparring partners do it, they are away from their families. So why shouldn’t I?
    “I’ll catch up with the family again on Sunday.”
    Win, lose or draw against Usyk, AJ will face no questions from JJ about boxing.

    BETTING SPECIAL – GET JOSHUA TO WIN IN ROUNDS 1-6 AT 60/1 OR ANYTIME AT 25/1
    The father-and-son pair much prefer to switch off from work and turn on their engines for well-earned family time.
    AJ laughed: “I don’t even know if I’m Daddy, I’m just a mate.
    “He’s actually quite independent so he’s chilled, he doesn’t cling to my leg, do you know what I mean? He’s very independent.
    “I don’t think he is even interested in boxing or sport yet. He’s just more into computers and motorbikes, he likes motorbikes.”
    While JJ may not get revved up by the big fight, there will be 66,000 fans going bonkers in North London tonight.
    And Joshua, the WBA, IBF and WBO king, will take a 20lb weight advantage into the showdown with former undisputed cruiserweight king Usyk.
    Weight doesn’t make a difference so long as you’re loose and nimbleAnthony Joshua
    AJ tipped the scales at 17st 2lb yesterday, the same as when he obliterated Kubrat Pulev over nine  rounds last December. Usyk weighed in at 15st 11lbs.
    The Watford hero was 17st 12lbs when he secured his iconic win over Wladimir Klitschko in April 2017 after looking exhausted in the middle rounds.
    And six months later he looked lethargic going ten rounds with unfancied Carlos Takam at a massive 18st 2lbs.
    Joshua claimed weight is not an issue though.
    He added: “I don’t really watch my weight. 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.

    FREE BETS: GET OVER £2,000 IN NEW CUSTOMER DEALS

    🥊 Joshua vs Usyk: All the TV, stream and undercard info ahead of Saturday’s heavyweight bout
    “I was 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 12 rounds easily.
    “Weight doesn’t make a difference so long as you’re loose and nimble.
    “But if I was heavier and doing it, now I’m lighter I should be able to do it with a lot more ease.”

    🥊 Joshua vs Usyk LIVE: Follow latest coverage from Tottenham Hotspur Stadium

    Anthony Joshua and Oleksandr Usyk weigh in ahead of their big fight More

  • in

    Anthony Joshua remembers nights at the Opera House a mile from Spurs ground where 68,000 fans will cheer him on

    TONIGHT will not be Anthony Joshua’s first big night out in Tottenham.It is just that this time, the heavyweight champion of the world will not be swigging cheap cider, alcopops and cognac on his way to the venue.
    Anthony Joshua hopes to make sweet music against Oleksandr Usyk, buoyed by joyful memories of the Opera House nightclubCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
    Joshua and boxing pals often popped along to the Opera House nightclub, near White Hart Lane
    Before he landed gold at the 2012 London Olympics, Joshua and a group of fellow amateur boxers were regulars at the Opera House nightclub, a mile down the road from White Hart Lane, where he defends his world titles tonight.
    This fight, in front of a 68,000  sell-out crowd, against former undisputed world cruiserweight champion Oleksandr Usyk, is Joshua’s homecoming — his first contest in front of a packed house on British soil for three years.
    But despite his worldwide profile, his £60million fortune and the WBA, IBF and WBO bling around his waist, Joshua is convincing when he talks about his distaste for fame.
    And when asked about going clubbing in Tottenham with his old mates, his face breaks into a warm smile and the memories flood back.
    Joshua said: “Oh, the Opera House — yeah, yeah.
    “So one of the coaches was a bouncer — and when you go somewhere, you need to know you’re going to get in.
    “We would train Monday, Wednesday and Friday and we would all go out on the weekend.
    Ukrainian Olesandr Usyk insists he can make history against Joshua
    “It was serious but it’s not that serious, it was only amateur boxing. We would still go out and have a few drinks.
    “We were all boxers, so you can’t really fight us (in a nightclub). There were ten of us going out.
    “We would get in and if we’d get into a fight, the bouncer is going to sling the others out anyway — and then he is going to tell us where they are!
    “He would say, ‘They’re round the corner, there’s one of them walking down there’.
    “We were always on top. So, yeah, Opera House, due to the fact we knew a bouncer there. They were fun days.
    “I’d drink Courvoisier, Mad Dog 20/20 and cider, that two quid drink, and I’d drink that in the car. I was in the passenger seat. Then I would stand in the queue, ‘Yeah, I’m all right bouncer’.
    “That’s when boxing was getting me on the straight and narrow.
    I’m still on the streets. When I don’t box in camp, I’m on my estate so people still respect me. Anthony Joshua
    “I’m sure a few people remember the days when I was out and about in Tottenham. I’m still about. I’m not about like that (clubbing), but I am still about.
    “I’m still on the streets. When I don’t box in camp, I’m on my estate so people still respect me. I wasn’t ever like a pussy.
    “I can stand on a corner like I’m a normal person. So it’s not like I’m some celebrity superstar going, ‘Oh my God, stay away, I’m not used to all this’.”
    Joshua, from Watford, still has a WhatsApp group with his fellow boxers and nightclubbers — now working as personal trainers, bodyguards,  gardeners and electricians.
    He said: “The bouncer actually passed away, the guy that worked at the gym. His name was Colin Webster, he passed away due to Covid unfortunately.
    “I’ve given a bunch of tickets to Sean, who’s still working at the amateur club now, and he can distribute them amongst the boys, some of the amateurs.”
    At 31, Joshua is dedicated to his noble art but uneasy with the hot air surrounding it.
    The build-up to Anthony Joshua’s world heavyweight title defences against Oleksandr Usyk has been typified by mutual respect
    He said: “I’m actually looking  forward to getting back to training next week, because when I’m in  training I feel like I’m in that spiritual realm — Zen-like, you know what I mean?
    “I’m fit, I’m healthy, I’m looking after my body. When you’re training and you’re not under pressure, it’s a nice thing to do.
    “Everyone trains. I see people go running on the street, people do marathons, triathlons. For me, I just happen to go to the gym, hit the heavy bag.
    “When I’m training without specific commitments, it’s actually really fun.”
    He even describes the solitude of the first Covid lockdown as “the best time of my life”.
    Joshua said: “I was living a certain life, then I found boxing and my whole world flipped on its head so quickly.
    The scale of this just shows where boxing is and the potential it has.Anthony Joshua
    “Then during Covid, I got to poke my head back out and be like, ‘Ah, back to normal again’.
    “So I was out on motorbikes, scooters, it was just a blessing to have that free time. The sun was shining in the garden, it was just nice being normal, as much as possible.”
    So while Joshua is adamant that he wants to fight Tyson Fury for the undisputed world crown, it is clear he would not relish the hype around it as much as the gobby Gypsy King.
    Joshua had been in training for a potential Fury fight before a US court ordered the WBC champion to complete his trilogy with Deontay Wilder, a contest which will take place in Las Vegas on October 9.
    And while Fury loves to goad and trash talk on social media, Joshua finds it all a bore.
    He said: “I like talking to you guys (the media), then when I go and see the quotes that you put out, I think, ‘Oh, why did I say that?’.
    “I don’t mind talking about Fury but it’s the little snippets that you get — like ‘Joshua says he’ll knock out Fury’. Well, I’m not gonna say he’ll knock me out.

    “But we will sell out a stadium when he comes back here.”
    After gazing around Tottenham’s “phenomenal” new home and declaring himself “buzzing” in anticipation of the fight-night atmosphere, Joshua hits out at the lack of funding for amateur boxing during the pandemic.
    He declared: “The scale of this just shows where boxing is and the potential it has.
    “It has massive potential but it needs stars to keep coming through, we need to invest in the amateur code.
    “When there was no funding for amateur clubs during the pandemic, we had to put some funds up to help keep the lights on in boxing gyms.
    “The two heavyweight champions of the world are from here, one Manchester and one London. We come from amateur gyms and are ruling the world of boxing and we don’t get a look-in.”
    He does not forget his roots, this man, be it the gym or the nightclub.
    Eddie Hearn reveals he wants Tyson Fury to beat Deontay Wilder and set up super fight vs Anthony Joshua in early 2022 More

  • in

    Anthony Joshua takes selfie with Oleksandr Usyk and promises ‘we’re going to deliver’ for fans at Spurs or buying PPV

    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.
    Anthony Joshua and Oleksandr Usyk face off ahead of their fightCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
    Anthony Joshua and Oleksandr Usyk pose for a selfieCredit: Twitter
    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.”
    Anthony Joshua insists he’s not in boxing for the fame More

  • in

    Jake Paul’s advisor says only WWE star Brock Lesnar can compare to YouTuber’s rise in fight game after just four bouts

    BROCK LESNAR is the only fighter to rival Jake Paul’s rise in the fight game, the YouTuber’s advisor stated. American Paul is 4-0 as a boxer and has featured in two headline pay-per-view events.
    Jake Paul in his fight against Tyron WoodleyCredit: Amanda Westcott
    WWE star Brock Lesnar won the UFC titleCredit: Getty – Contributor
    The last was a points win in his home of Cleveland against ex-UFC champion Tyron Woodley, 39, over eight rounds.
    It added to knockouts over online rival ‘AnEsonGib, ex-NBA star Nate Robinson and retired UFC welterweight Ben Askren, both 37.
    Paul, 24, has quickly become one of the most talked about fighters since his professional debut only 20 months ago.
    And his advisor Nakisa Bidarian, also founder of talent firm BAVAFA Sport, said only Lesnar’s leap from WWE to UFC is comparable.
    Bidarian told SunSport: “The truth is, the only combat sports star in history that’s had the same success out the gate that Jake has, is Brock Lesnar. 
    “Jake came with an instal base of fans but they were not pay-per-view purchasers.

    BETTING SPECIAL – GET JOSHUA TO WIN IN ROUNDS 1-6 AT 60/1 OR ANYTIME AT 25/1
    “Brock had been a pay-per-view star in a different entertainment product. 
    “His fans were used to purchasing his content, so I think what Jake is doing is ahead of any other fighter, to be honest.
    “You can love him or hate him, but you have to respect him and really see how strong this movement is.” 
    Lesnar, 44, debuted in the UFC in 2008 and in the same year, in his third promotional fight, he won the heavyweight belt.
    After seven UFC fights, he then left and in 2012 returned to the UFC, fighting in the octagon once more, a brief cameo in 2016.
    By then, Conor McGregor was the new face of the company during a period where Bidarian served as a UFC executive.
    The truth is, the only combat sports star in history that’s had the same success out the gate that Jake has, is Brock Lesnar. Jake Paul’s advisor Nakisa Bidarian
    And he watched as McGregor, 33, became the biggest attraction in combat sports.
    But that followed after years of the Irishman building his brand back home before making a splash Stateside.
    Bidarian still remembers the night McGregor returned to Dublin in 2014 in a sell-out before knocking out Diego Brandao.
    And Paul’s homecoming in August against Woodley gave off a familiar feeling.
    Bidarian said: “By the time Conor came to the UFC he had already been a champion in a smaller regional promotion. 
    “He had kind of like 14 fights of building his support within that market. I think it was his third fight in the UFC that he headlined in Dublin.

    “That was an unbelievable night, the energy was amazing and that was really the first time that he headlined a card and really owned the conversation. 
    “Look at Jake, he went into his fourth fight ever, his first fight he wasn’t a headliner, he was co-main, second fight no audience, third fight no audience. 
    “So it was his first headliner with fans and I felt the same energy in Cleveland that we had in Dublin that night.
    “So it definitely gave me some level of similarity.” 
    Bidarian confirmed Paul plans to return by the end of the year and is in talks with four fighters, including Tommy Fury, 22.
    Fury, who won on Paul’s undercard last month, is at the top of the list despite rejecting two offers already.
    Bidarian said: “I definitely think there’s two other fighters specifically that are bigger fights for Jake. 

    “But there’s also a feeling from Jake’s side that listen, there’s always this constant chatter of, ‘Fight a boxer’. 
    “So Jake’s view of it is, I brought this guy [Fury] to my card, he tried to come into the ring, he hung out backstage to try and stir the pot.
    “This is the perfect next step for me.”
    Tommy Fury and Jake Paul clash behind the scenes after the Tyron Woodley fight More

  • in

    Jake Paul’s advisor says Tommy Fury isn’t ‘focussed on boxing’ as much as YouTuber and slams ‘comical’ snub to $1m deal

    TOMMY FURY has been told he is not as ‘focussed on boxing’ as much as Jake Paul and rejecting $1million to fight his rival was ‘comical’. Fury publicly admitted he declined two offers to face Paul and responded ‘get your figures up and then we can talk’.
    Jake Paul offered Tommy Fury a $1m fight dealCredit: Getty
    Tommy Fury has declined two offers to fight Jake PaulCredit: Getty Images – Getty
    The YouTube star then responded by bumping the deal up to $1m and was even putting money from his ‘own pocket’ into the package.
    But again Fury shot down the effort, believing he was being lowballed and stated $1m was ‘not even worth getting out of bed for’.
    Nakisa Bidarian, Paul’s advisor and founder of talent firm BAVAFA Sports, hit out at the response, which he called laughable.
    Bidarian told SunSport: “There’s no base of fans that are proven to be purchasers of Tommy Fury, Jake is now going into his third headline pay-per-view.
    “He’s doing numbers that are bigger than any boxer in the US other than Canelo, who is at a different price point.
    “So it’s not even a discussion of what they want, we’re giving them an unbelievable offer and more so if you really believe in yourself.

    BETTING SPECIAL – GET JOSHUA TO WIN IN ROUNDS 1-6 AT 60/1 OR ANYTIME AT 25/1
    “This is four times, five times what you’ve ever made plus upside.
    “Go in, beat Jake, be the new face of this movement and guess what? Jake’s probably going to want a rematch.
    “And then you can dictate terms. But until then, you’re coming into Jake’s promotion, to Jake’s event, this is an unbelievable offer.
    “More than most UFC champions get as a guaranteed base. It’s comical them saying it’s not worth getting out of bed for.”
    Paul, 24, is in talks to fight Fury, 22, by the end of the year and is set to start training for his return to the ring.
    In the meantime, he has continued his internet feud with the former reality TV star, who in 2019 featured on Love Island.
    Paul was quick to mock Fury after footage emerged of the 7-0 light-heavyweight dancing topless in a nightclub.
    And Bidarian argued it highlighted the difference in commitment between the two boxers.
    I’m not sure Tommy Fury is focussed on boxing the way Jake is. Here we are four weeks removed and I’m not seeing Tommy training, I’m seeing other videos of Tommy out in the public domain.Jake Paul’s advisor Nakisa Bidarian
    He said: “I’m not sure Tommy Fury is focussed on boxing the way Jake is.
    “Here we are four weeks removed and I’m not seeing Tommy training, I’m seeing other videos of Tommy out in the public domain.
    “If he really is serious about his career, this really is the absolute best offer that could ever present itself.”
    Bidarian has already warned the latest online offer will be their third and final.
    And he fears Fury will miss out on facing Paul, much like Conor McGregor’s training partner Dillon Danis did this year.
    Danis, 28, was offered the chance to fight Paul in March, but rejected it, citing an injury to his knee.
    Retired UFC welterweight Ben Askren, 37, was instead given the opportunity and was then knocked out in April.
    Bidarian said: “It reminds me of Dillon Danis, who had the opportunity when Jake considered fighting him.
    “Jake made a couple of very, very good offers to him, again multiple of what he’s usually paid.

    “And he outpriced himself or didn’t want to fight, we’re not sure what one, and that fight’s now never going to happen, Jake’s moved past that.
    “It doesn’t make sense to fight someone’s that’s 2-0 in MMA against not very good opponents. I think Tommy has the potential to do that to himself.
    “It would be disappointing, he’s a fine young man who’s worked to get to this stage and I hope he capitalises on it.”
    Tommy Fury and Jake Paul are in talks to fight at the end of the yearCredit: Amanda Westcott More

  • in

    Anthony Joshua comes in STONE heavier than Oleksandr Usyk during weigh-in at 17st 2lbs despite trimming muscle bulk

    ANTHONY JOSHUA will weigh over a stone more than Oleksandr Usyk on Saturday night.The Watford 31-year-old hit the scales at the same 17st 2lbs (240lbs) he battered Kubrat Pulev at in December.
    Anthony Joshua weighs in ahead of fighting Oleksandr UsykCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
    Anthony Joshua and Oleksandr Usyk embrace each otherCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
    And Usyk, 34, reached his career highest of 15st 8lbs (221lbs) leaving 19lbs between them.
    Sensational looking AJ roared: “Wow, I just got given the microphone. Thanks for coming out, I was here Wednesday sparring, won a world title here (the O2).
    “I don’t take this position for granted I commit myself to hours and hours in the gym and we will deliver.”
    AJ was a perfect 17st 2bs when he expertly bullied and knocked out Pulev with speed and power.
    That was a brilliant return to his brutal best after the December 2019 rematch win over Andy Ruiz Jr was a cautious points win scored at 16st 13lbs
    The British ace looked like a bodybuilding hulk at 17st 9lbs when Ruiz Jr stunned him in their original June 2019 clash.

    But, in his defence, he had been preparing to fight 22st Jarrell Miller who was booted out of the bout for being riddled with steroids, letting the chunky Mexican slip in at the last minute and shake up the world.
    AJ has his training team have confirmed he felt too heavy for the iconic April 2017 win over Wladimir Klitschko and the laborious Carlos Takam stoppage six months later – when he was 17st 12lbs and 18st 2lbs respectively.
    The London 2012 legend’s lowest professional weight came in his third fight when he was just 16st 5lbs for the 2012 win over Hrvoje Kisicek.
    Usyk, 34, was the undisputed cruiserweight king down at 14st 4lbs and he sneaked up in weight in his first two heavyweight clashes.
    Last time out in October, when he outpointed Derek Chisora, he made it up to 15st 7lbs and said he was disappointed not to hit 16st.
    Anthony Joshua hit the scales at the same 17st 2lbs (240lbs) be battered Kubrat PulevCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
    Oleksandr Usyk reached his career highest of 15st 8lbs (221lbs) leaving 19lbsCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
    Anthony Joshua and Oleksandr Usyk face off one more timeCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun More