Anthony Joshua has refused to confirm the expectation that he will weigh-in notably lighter to fight Joseph Parker, Sky Sports reports. According to the report, Joshua was at his career-heaviest when he fought Wladimir Klitschko (17st 12lbs) then Carlos Takam (18st 2lbs) but it has been suggested by his promoter Eddie Hearn that he might shed weight for the upcoming world title unification fight on March 31, live on Sky Sports Box Office.
When asked by Sky Sports if he would be lighter, Joshua said:
"I'm not going to say because, last time I said that, I came in at my career-heaviest. I'm not going to jinx it. Whether I'm bigger than I was for Takam, or lighter than I was for Dominic Breazeale, I will make sure I am victorious. I think stretching is important. Because I'm already a big guy I can tense up, naturally. I tend to do a lot more stretching now, to keep my body loose. I'm not snacking as much, which is something heavyweights can do."
Sky Sports enquiry was based on his promoter's earlier comment. Hearn had said;
"I can't see [Joshua] coming in more than 17st 8lbs or 17st 9lbs, which would be half-a-stone lighter than the last fight. Maybe he will be even lighter."
Meanwhile, Joshua's opponent, Joseph Parker who was 17st 7lbs in his most recent fight, is also targeting a lighter weight for this month's upcoming fight.
Parker's trainer Kevin Barry told Sky Sports earlier in their training camp "Yes we'll come in lighter for this fight. I think it's very important that Joe is very fast on his feet and very mobile in this fight against Joshua."
