Anthony Joshua has weighed in 10lb heavier than his opponent Wladimir Klitschko ahead of their heavyweight showdown at Wembley on Saturday night.
The undefeated British world champion's weight of 17st 12lb is the heaviest he's ever been and he was in a positive mood at the weigh-in. He told Sky Sports he felt "confident" ahead of the bout, which will take place in front of a crowd of 90,000 – the biggest post-war audience for a boxing match in the UK.
Despite the extra pounds, Joshua looked in "typically sublime condition", says the website Joe.co.uk. "At 41 years of age, though, Klitschko appeared to be in the shape of his life."
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But there is no doubt that local boy Joshua will have the support of the crowd on Saturday. "Klitschko was greeted with boos when he entered the stage first and seemed to acknowledge the crowd by giving a peace sign after he weighed in at 17st 2lb 6oz," says Sky Sports.
"Joshua's arrival was greeted by roars of support and [he] raised his fist in a triumphant gesture after the weight was announced."
The two fighters have been courteous and respectful in the build-up to the fight. This did not change when they went face-to-face on stage for the final time before they meet for real.
There were "token words mumbled", says the Daily Telegraph. "But as ever no actual needle."
Joshua vs Klitschko: When does it start and who will win?
26 April
Anthony Joshua and Wladimir Klitschko battle it out for the world heavyweight crown at Wembley on Saturday night in Britain's biggest boxing match since World War II.
But who are the fighters, how do they measure up and when is does the action begin?
Anthony Joshua:
The 27-year-old from Watford won super-heavyweight gold at the 2012 Olympics in London before turning professional. Since then, he has a record of 18 wins in 18 fights - all of them knockouts. He has held the WBC, British and Commonwealth titles while in February 2016, he claimed the IBF heavyweight title from Charles Martin. He has defended it twice since then.
Such has been his dominance that Joshua has just 44 rounds of professional boxing ahead of the biggest fight of his career - and that could be his biggest weakness.
Stats:
- Height: 6ft 6in (198cm)
- Reach: 82 in (208cm)
- Weight: 17st 12lb
Wladimir Klitschko
Like his opponent, Klitschko also has an Olympic gold, won at the 1996 Games in Atlanta. He turned professional later that year, when Joshua was just seven years old, won his first world title in 1998 and was unbeaten in his first 24 fights. He had another, decade-long unbeaten run that lasted 22 fights until his shock defeat to Tyson Fury in 2015. This will be his first fight since then and it could also be his last.
The 41-year-old Ukrainian has an overall record of 68 fights, 64 wins and just four losses. He has won 53 of his fights by knockout and has managed 358 professional rounds during his career. His nickname is Dr Steelhammer.
Stats:
- Height: 6ft 6in (198cm)
- Reach: 81in (206cm)
- Weight: 17st 2lb
What are the betting odds?
Joshua is favourite to win in front of a home crowd of 90,000 boxing fans. "In one corner you have Joshua whose career is moving along at a rapid pace and is being hyped as the man to dominate boxing's most glamorous division for the next decade," says Simon Crawford of Sporting Life. "In the other corner, you have Klitschko who did dominate for a decade but now faces a must-win fight if he is continue operating at the highest level."
Joshua is 4-9 on, while Klitschko is available at 9-4.
When is the fight?
It takes place on Saturday night at Wembley stadium at around 10pm, but there are six fights on the undercard.
The first bout takes place at 6pm, with Bury-born featherweight Scott Quigg second on the bill as he faces Viorel Simion of Romania.
How can I watch it?
The fight sold out in a matter of hours and seats are changing hands for thousands of pounds. The whole event will be broadcast on Sky Box Office, at a price of £19.95.
