Joshua at heaviest weight since turning professional
Anthony Joshua feels “a lot fitter” than he has done for previous fights, despite tipping the scales at his heaviest weight ahead of Saturday’s title bout with Carlos Takam.
Joshua will put his heavyweight belts on the line in Cardiff this weekend against Takam, the Frenchman having been drafted in at late notice following Kubrat Pulev’s withdrawal due to a shoulder injury.
The British boxer weighed in at 18 stone, two pounds on Friday, more than at any of his previous 19 fights – all which he has won by knockout.
In contrast, Takam came in at 16st 11lbs.
Joshua is not concerned about his weight, though, and insists he feels better than he ever has done since turning professional in 2013.
“I was reading everywhere that I was going to come in a stone lighter,” Joshua said on stage.
“I’ve done a lot more running. Maybe I am starting to fill out and find my natural weight.
“I feel a lot fitter than in my previous fights.”
.@anthonyfjoshua weighing in heavier than ever at 254lbs & Carlos Takam at 235.5lbs
WATCH #JoshuaTakam weigh-in: https://t.co/m5cEMJw44x pic.twitter.com/2pnFXVeoFN
— SHOWTIME Boxing (@ShowtimeBoxing) October 27, 2017
And despite Takam’s late call-up for the fight, Joshua will not be taking a 20th victory for granted.
“I am confident within myself, but never over confident because I have got a live opponent,” he added.
“Too much confidence and you can become cocky, and that is when you make mistakes. I don’t want to make any mistakes.
“He has got a mindset where he has got nothing to lose, and that’s a dangerous mindset.
“But I have to deal with these styles, and find a way to break him down.
“I’m still hungry, forever I will be.”
