Anthony Joshua’s weight has stunned the onlookers in attendance. He has literally never been this big for a fight in his entire career…
World heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua is a surging superstar in combat sports. During a time when British athletes are storming the world stage, ‘AJ’ is the perfect fit at the top of boxing’s elite.
When he met Wladimir Klitschko in April of this year, Joshua had the opportunity of a lifetime. Defeating Klitschko, himself an all-time heavyweight great, would catapult Joshua into the limelight.
Not only did AJ win, but he did so in the most exciting back-and-forth heavyweight title fight this century. Stopping Klitschko in round 11, Joshua captured the WBA and IBO titles and retained his IBF heavyweight belt.
Since that fantastic fight, Joshua has been pegged for a massive future. Many believe Joshua will be the first boxer from the UK to become a billionaire from the sport.
Joshua vs. Takam
Originally linked to a November rematch with Klitschko, Joshua would later get booked against Kubrat Pulev. With his Ukranian foe retiring, number one contender Pulev got the call.
Unfortunately, Pulev was injured, and so number three-ranked Carlos Takam. Since the opponent change was not his fault, the IBF stated Joshua vs. Takam would satisfy Joshua’s mandatory defense.
When they hit the scales, the results were quite surprising, as a MASSIVE AJ hit the scales at a career-high 254 pounds (18 stone 2 pounds).
As per BBC.co.uk, Joshua says he is more motivated for Takam than he was for Klitschko:
“I know what it’s like to be a challenger,” said Joshua, 28. “Believe it or not I still have the mindset of a challenger. I don’t walk around with an ego just because I have a few belts on my shoulder.
“I know he has that mindset to find a way to win. If you keep on knocking on the door you find a way through. I just have to boot him out because he isn’t coming through this door.
“I’m still developing. I think that’s why people jump at the opportunity. If I trashed talked more I may be more feared. But my job is to break them down in the ring, strip them of confidence, strip them of desire and strip them of winning.”
Former world champion Joe Calzaghe on 5 live’s boxing podcast: “Joshua just has to make sure he is not complacent. But I don’t see it, he seems so calm, keeps it real. I don’t see Takam lasting more than three or four rounds. I think in every part of the fight I see the strengths of Joshua.”
Calzaghe, who last fought at the stadium in 2007, said: “With the roof on, it really keeps the noise and atmosphere in. Trust me, when you’re in that ring you are not looking at the crowd but you can feel the atmosphere through your body.”
