‘Sharper’ Joshua hoping weight loss leads to title gain
ANTHONY JOSHUA cut a lean figure on the Cardiff scales as he weighed in nearly a stone lighter than his last fight for his world heavyweight unification showdown with Joseph Parker.
Joshua, the WBA and IBF champion, tipped the scales at 17st 4lb 2oz for tonight’s fight at the Principality Stadium – 6lbs heavier than New Zealand’s WBO champion Parker.
The 28-year-old had shed 12lb since stopping Carlos Takam in October, while Parker has lost 9lbs since outpointing Hughie Fury a month earlier.
“Taking that bit of weight off makes this fight a little easier,” Joshua said. “I feel better. You will see I will be a lot sharper.
“My reflexes will be sharper and my speed will be much sharper.”
With both unbeaten champions coming in lighter, the action before a 78,000 sellout crowd promises to be fast and furious.
Neither man appeared to twitch in the final stare-down at the weigh-in, and it was clear there was huge mutual respect between the pair.
“He looked good, but I would expect that from a world champion,” Joshua said. “You will be in for a good, good fight.”
Parker is unbeaten in 24 fights and remains confident of upsetting the odds.
“I’m ready for anything,” he said. “I’m here for war. You’ll have to do everything to beat me.”