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Joshua v Usyk: Watch this weigh-in
Anthony Joshua v Oleksandr Uzyk Venue: Tottenham Hotspur stadium Date: Saturday 25 September Coverage : Commentary on BBC Radio 5 Live, live text coverage on BBC Sport's website & app
Anthony Joshua was a strong, lean figure. He weighed in at 17st 2lbs (109kg), for Saturday's defense of the world heavyweight title against Oleksandr Uzyk.
The three-belt champion weighed in at almost 20lb (9kg), more than Usyk's 15st 11lbs (100,00kg), and the same weight as his last fight.
Joshua, 31, has lost a lot of weight in recent years. Fans are now wondering if the British heavyweight is intentionally slimming.
Is he aiming to be at a specific opponent or does he know his ideal weight?
The weight of Joshua depends on his opponent
Joshua was 16st 6lbs (104kg) when he weighed in for his pro fight against Emanuele Leono in 2013. He weighed in at 16st 6lbs (104kg) four years later. But a shift has occurred since then. In 2019, he weighed in at 16st 13lbs (108kg), for his rematch with Andy Ruiz Jr.
Although he gained a few pounds to face Kubrat Pulev in his next fight, fans were surprised at how slim he looked going into the fight.
Joshua's long-term physio Rob Madden said to BBC Sport that it all depends on the opponent.
"He fought [Wladimir] Klitschko at 112kg and Ruiz at 110kg. That's a difference of seven to eight kilos.
Ruiz II was probably a little light, according to me. He can't be told by any of the other members of the team that he should weigh 113 kg. He doesn't know the answer. He takes control of that.
AJ has assumed the reins after Ruiz's defeat
Anthony Joshua talks about the pressures that come with being an elite-level athlete in 'The Gift and the Curse'
The shockwaves caused by Joshua's defeat to Ruiz in his American debut in summer 2019 were felt across the sport.
Ruiz was almost unknown but took Joshua's world titles and unbeaten record at Madison Square Garden.
Joshua lost 10lb in the rematch. He chose to outbox Ruiz after 12 rounds, rather than engage in another firefight.
He has also been more involved in running his camp.
Madden stated, "In the beginning, he didn’t know what to do,”
"During his recent career stage, he tried to take over the reins more in various aspects.
"There was likely a shift following the Ruiz fight where he wanted to have a little more control over how things were run in camp. It wasn't a bad thing. That's an indication of maturity for an athlete, I believe."
Madden claimed that Joshua's fighting weight was the result of "team strategy", but that Joshua ultimately knows what is best for him.
He said, "I wouldn’t say that he fully makes it the call."
He said that he felt tired and too heavy at 116kg. He was a light, agile man at 109kg. However, he felt that he could have been heavier.
"It was a journey of learning what works and what doesn’t for him."
"He's going to speed against Usyk"
The 34-year-old Usyk is a formidable opponent, but he is naturally a cruiserweight, and was the undisputed champion of the division.
Tyson Fury's copromoter Frank Warren believes Joshua is aware of Usyk's fame as a tactician.
He said that Joshua looks slimmer to BBC Sport. He's looking for speed. He needs to be more mobile.
Joshua would have Usyk as a formidable scalp, but Joshua has the greatest challenge.
Fury will face Deontay Wilder next month in Las Vegas, and Joshua is keen to fight his domestic opponent if he wins.
Madden believes Joshua will adjust his weight again for the fight, and can do so quickly.
He said, "Fury isn't on the mind." "It was up until very recently, but now the focus is on Usyk.
He can change his genes very quickly. He can gain weight very quickly and can also shed it quite quickly.
"He will know what he feels at each weight, and in his head, he'll be capable of deciding where he wants Tyson to take him."
Boxing promoter Eddie Hearn on Oleksandr Usyk's chances vs Anthony Joshua
What has Joshua spoken?
Joshua stated this week that he would "come back light" in order to fit his gameplan.
He said, "I'll ride my bike all night." Run around the ring and try not to be hit. I don't want 140 heartbeats per hour, so I'm very thin.
"I am as solid as a rock. I am strong. I can lift weights.
"I have learned a lot about training for specific opponents. It's very different when you knock out men in just three to four rounds. "Weight is not a priority for me because I studied boxing."
Warren might describe Joshua as "gun shy", however, heavyweight contender Derek Chisora claims that his Briton counterpart has not lost any of his legendary punching power.
"In heavyweight, you'll know how difficult it is to lose those pounds. He said that dropping seven pounds is difficult and a lot of work.
"AJ has lost so much weight but he has kept his power. His power is the same.
"We are aware it will be a long night, but the victory will be AJ’s with a knockout."
