Anthony Joshua's impressive physique will be on display at today's weigh in. But has he trained his body for speed and power? The experts from the Panel give their verdict.
Anthony Joshua's impressive physique will be on display at today's weigh in. But has he trained his body for speed and power? The experts from the Panel give their verdict.
The British heavyweight champion will face Oleksandr Uzyk in the weigh-in today, before their fight for the world title on Saturday night.
Adam Smith
I was fortunate enough to see Anthony Joshua spar in Sheffield. He is light and mobile. AJ has been sparring to test things and he appears very relaxed.
He won't be able to reach that career-heaviest weight, as I don’t think he will. AJ weighed in at 17st 3lbs for Joseph Parker. I expect him to be about the same weight, 17st 3lbs to 17.st 6lbs. He's at his best around that weight.
He may even be lighter because he views this fight as a 12-round, very tough fight where the legs are the key. I believe AJ will be lighter on the scales but he will still be a heavyweight champion, which could make a big difference.
We've seen Joshua perform at any stage of his career, whether it was against Eric Molina and Charles Martin in the early knockouts or against Wladimir Klitschko later on.
Matthew Macklin
AJ has been significantly lighter in his last two fights, the Ruiz Jr rematch, and the Pulev fight. Joshua is now realizing he was a bit too bulky and large. Joshua wants to be back on his feet, working behind his jab and learning new punch combinations. He is not just looking to get people out of their misery.
Joshua now knows his ideal weight. Joshua doesn't want his body to be too light. You don't want your muscles to shrink. You don't want excess weight.
Carl Froch
Joshua is able to tell when he's too heavy. He'd perform better if he was around 17st. This is the weight he weighed for his Pulev fight.
If AJ is overweight, AJ will be forced to give up his plan. Usyk will also be expected to weigh more. I believe this is a mistake.
If AJ arrives lighter, he will try to box and move. I'm a little concerned. If AJ comes in heavier, he will try to smash Usyk to pieces.
Johnny Nelson
I have seen AJ, and he is very muscular. AJ seems like an athletic heavyweight. This tells me he's prepared to fight the 12 rounds. He tailors his training to the opponent before him.
He will be facing a lighter, faster, more agile opponent. I believe AJ has found his ideal weight.
George Groves
Joshua is powerful regardless of whether he's at the top end or below his career weight. He will likely be close to his Kubrat Pulev weight. Because Usyk is evasive, he doesn't have to be heavier.
Joshua will likely want to be lighter than Usyk so that he doesn't just pound him with punches. You have more mobility, but better punch resistance.
His weight could be an indicator of what they have in store.
David Coldwell
I think AJ needs to be able to weigh the right amount to be able to be athletic and sharp-footed. If he is slow in his feet and ponderous after the mid-rounds, that's Usyk's problem.
If you look at his boxing abilities in the last two fights, you can see that he is improving, getting smoother and getting more precise with his movements. AJ is making more feints and he's changing up his punches. He can't be too heavy to do this.
No matter what he weighs it will be cut to a sharp look.
You can watch Joshua v Usyk live on Sky Sports Box Office starting at 6pm. You can book it using your Sky remote or you can book it online. Non-Sky TV subscribers may book it and view it here.