Sports

Anthony Joshua explains weight loss after weighing in lighter than previous ten fights

444

Anthony Joshua speaks after tipping scales at lightest weight since 2014 — Anthony Joshua and Joseph Parker (Picture: Reuters)

Anthony Joshua has explained he hopes the weight he has lost will enable him to move easier when he takes on Joseph Parker tomorrow night.

The IBF and WBA (Super) champion weighed in at 17st 4lbs 2oz, just six pounds lighter than Joseph Parker.

Joshua had promised to come in lighter, but the weigh-in result is the lightest AJ has been since 2014.

More: Boxing

The Brit is the lights has has been since he took on Michael Sprott in November 2014.

That was ten fights ago and Joshua explained he believed he needed to slim down.

He said: When youre carrying a bit of extra weight, it makes things difficult. Losing that little bit of extra weight, makes it a little easier.

Boxing - Anthony Joshua & Joseph Parker Weigh-In - Motorpoint Arena, Cardiff, Britain - March 30, 2018 Anthony Joshua during the weigh in Action Images via Reuters/Andrew Couldridge — (Picture: Reuters)

Weight debate

AJs previous weigh-ins results
vs Takam 252lbs (18st 2lbs)
vs Klitschko 250lbs (17st 12lbs)
vs Molina 249lbs (17st 11lbs)
vs Breazeale 243lbs (17st 6lbs)
vs Martin 244lbs (17st 6lbs)

Joseph Parker previous weigh-in results
vs Fury 245lbs (17st 7lbs)
vs Cojanu 247lbs (17st 9lbs)
vs Ruiz 247lbs (17st 9lbs)
vs Dimitrenko 240 lbs (17st 2lbs)

I feel better. Training is all about rehearsel and so is sparring but it has gone well

AdvertisementAdvertisement

You will see I will be a lot sharper. My reflexes will be sharper and my speed will be much sharper.

Joshua weighed in at his career-heaviest for the Carlos Takam fight last October.

Boxing - Anthony Joshua & Joseph Parker Weigh-In - Motorpoint Arena, Cardiff, Britain - March 30, 2018 Anthony Joshua and Joseph Parker go head to head during the weigh in Action Images via Reuters/Andrew Couldridge — (Picture: Reuters)

But, the Brit has clearly made severe adjustments in his training camp and after watching Parker weigh in the lighter man, Joshua says the stage is set for a cracking unification showdown.

I think its perfect for tomorrow night, AJ said.

To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video

He is nimble, quick and has boxing skills but I can control him and match him for speed, I think.

I will be going in and out, trying to control it. you will see. I am looking forward to it.

Metro.co.uk is reporting in association with Betfair – for latest odds go here.

Joshua vs Parker Betfair Odds

Joshua win 1/5
Parker win 9/2
Draw win 40/1

Method of Victory
Joshua by Decision/Tech Decision – 4/1
Joshua by KO, TKO or DQ – 2/5
Parker by Decision/Tech Decision – 18/1
Parker by KO, TKO or DQ – 7/1