AJ heavier than ever

Anthony Joshua was his career heaviest as he weighed in for Saturday's heavyweight unification clash with Wladimir Klitschko.

The IBF champion Joshua tipped the scales at 17st 12lbs 2oz, 10 pounds heavier than Klitschko, ahead of the Wembley fight, live on Sky Sports Box Office, with the vacant WBA 'super' title also at stake.

Klitschko was greeted with boos when he made his entrance at Wembley Arena and the 41-year-old seemed to acknowledge the crowd by giving a peace sign after he weighed in at 17st 2lb 6oz.

Joshua followed Klitschko onto the stage, sparking roars of support from thousands of fans, and raised his fist in a triumphant gesture as the weight was announced.

The unbeaten 27-year-old will be facing the former unified champion in front of a 90,000 attendance, but reiterated his desire to make the fight look "easy".

"All I have to do is make this fight as easy as possible," said Joshua. "With boxing, you seem to enjoy it afterwards.

"When you're competing, it's tunnel vision. Even though there are so many beautiful people coming to watch, for now it has to be about tunnel vision."

His Ukrainian opponent has displayed unwavering confidence throughout the week and expects to reclaim two world titles this weekend.

"I just have this feeling - this is my night," Klitschko told Sky Sports.

"It's a big step for AJ. He hasn't fought this type of quality of fighter yet. It's going to be challenging for him - but challenging for me as well."

On the undercard, Scott Quigg weighed in at 8st 13lbs 7oz for his IBF final eliminator against Viorel Simion, who was also inside the featherweight limit at 8st 13lbs 6oz.

Luke Campbell weighed in at 9st 8lbs 7oz for his WBA lightweight title eliminator, but Darleys Perez appeared to be over the 9st 9lb limit at the first time of asking.

Ireland's Katie Taylor is involved in another WBA final eliminator, in only her fifth fight, and was under the required lightweight mark at 9st 4lbs 8oz, with Nina Meinke making weight at 9st 6lbs 8oz.

 

Author: 
www.skysports.com