Anthony Joshua vs Oleksandr Usyk 2 weigh-ins LIVE: Heavyweights hit scales ahead of Saudi Arabia fight
Re-live updates as we found out how Joshua and Usyk’s weights differed from 11 months ago
Anthony Joshua and Oleksandr Usyk tipped the scales today, one day out from their seismic heavyweight title rematch in Saudi Arabia. Eleven months on from their first clash, Joshua and Usyk will meet again as the Briton looks to win back the belts that he lost to the unbeaten Ukrainian in London. Jeddah will be the site of their highly-anticipated rematch, which marks a crossroads moment in the career of Joshua.
After the British star, 32, lost his titles in June 2019 with a shocking stoppage defeat by Andy Ruiz Jr, “AJ” regained the gold just six months later with a decision victory over the Mexican-American. That rematch also took place in Saudi Arabia – in Riyadh – and saw Joshua rise to the occasion to avoid back-to-back defeats, but the pressure to do so again is on, ahead of Saturday’s ‘Rage On The Red Sea’. No man has ever beaten Usyk during the 35-year-old’s professional career, and he handily outpointed Joshua last September. When asked whether retirement would be on the cards for Joshua in the case of another loss, the Briton said this week: “It’s up to me at the end of the day, it’s not up to anyone else what I do with my career. It’s more of a personal decision.”
The final event before Saturday’s fight was today’s weigh-ins, with former undisputed cruiserweight champion Usyk coming in half-a-pound heavier than the 220lbs that he weighed last September – despite beliefs that he had bulked up this time around. In comparison, AJ today hit the scales at 244lbs – four pounds heavier than in his loss to Usyk last year. Re-live updates from the weigh-ins here:
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Usyk vs Joshua 2 weigh-ins LIVE
Here’s a recap of today’s weigh-ins:
How heavy is Anthony Joshua ahead of Oleksandr Usyk rematch?
All you need to know about the heavyweight title rematch in Saudi Arabia
Usyk vs Joshua 2 weigh-ins LIVE
“I’m 100 per cent ready for 12 rounds and anything shorter than that is a bonus,” said Joshua at the weigh in at the King Abdullah Sports City Stadium.
He and Usyk engaged in a lengthy face-off before clasping hands in mutual respect and turning away, with Usyk adding a thumbs up for good measure.
When asked what should be read into their extended eyeballing, Joshua said: “Not much, it was just a face-off.
“I always say that for me personally face-offs don’t mean any anything. It’s about the bell ringing. Face-offs don’t win fights.”
More here:
Anthony Joshua prepared to go the distance with Oleksandr Usyk
Joshua recorded 17st 6lbs 8oz, 4.8lbs heavier than in September, to give him almost two stones on his rival
Usyk vs Joshua 2 weigh-ins LIVE
Anthony Joshua accepts that his career is on the line when he faces Oleksandr Usyk in Saturday’s world heavyweight title rematch in Jeddah.
A fight delayed by Russia’s invasion of Usyk’s native Ukraine will see Joshua attempt to reclaim the belts he lost to his rival on a passive night at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium almost a year ago.
That decisive points decision registered his second professional defeat, having been stopped by Andy Ruiz Jr in 2019, and another setback would place him on the periphery as Usyk and Tyson Fury battle it out as the division’s elite.
Even if he uses more effective tactics, few are backing Joshua to prevail at the 10,000-capacity King Abdullah Sports City Arena and the 32-year-old has already suggested he could walk away from the sport if he falls to Usyk once more.
“Everything is at stake. It’s a big fight, it’s a big night,” Joshua told the PA news agency.
More here:
‘Everything is at stake’: Anthony Joshua fighting for career against Oleksandr Usyk
Joshua will bid to reclaim his heavyweight titles from the Ukrainian on Saturday
Usyk vs Joshua 2 weigh-ins LIVE
Usyk vs Joshua 2 weigh-ins LIVE
Usyk vs Joshua 2 weigh-ins LIVE
Joshua on what he thought during the staredown: “Not much. I always say, for me personally, face-offs don’t mean nothing. It’s just about the bell ringing and us throwing leather really. Face-offs don’t win fights.”
Joshua on his and Usyk’s weights: “I’ll be honest, all this stuff don’t matter. It’s just about the fight.”
Final thoughts: “I’m just ready for 12 rounds, 100 per cent, and anything shorter than that is a bonus.”
Usyk vs Joshua 2 weigh-ins LIVE
Usyk on his weight: “You see, your expectations are not met every time.”
On what he saw during his staredown with Joshua: “Myself, my reflection.”
On tomorrow’s fight: “We’re gonna see [what happens].”
A message to Ukraine: “Thank you very much, God help us.”
Usyk vs Joshua 2 weigh-ins LIVE
Next up is Usyk...
The Ukrainian weighs in at 220lbs again, but half-a-pound heavier than in the pair’s first clash!
That is surprising.
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