Anthony Joshua was over a stone‑and‑a‑half heavier than Alexander Povetkin as they weighed in for their world heavyweight title fight at Wembley.
The unified champion weighed four pounds more than for his last title fight against Joseph Parker, tipping the scales at 17st 8lbs 5oz, with Povetkin coming in at 15st 12lbs, one stone and 10 pounds lighter for tomorrow’s fight.
Joshua believes Povetkin's smaller physique is built for speed but the unbeaten 28‑year‑old insists he is agile enough to bring up his 22nd professional victory.
Joshua says Povetkin is going to be quick, going to be fast, so he will put on his dancing shoes and be fast with his feet.
The meeting, which should draw a crowd of around 80,000, will be Joshua's fourth consecutive stadium fight.
28-year-old Joshua has faced criticism from some quarters for failing to agree a bout with WBC champion Deontay Wilder.
However, his trainer Rob McCracken says Povetkin ‑ who won Olympic gold in 2004 ‑ is from the "top tier of heavyweights" and is a tougher challenge than Joshua faced in his points win over Joseph Parker last time out.
Povetkin will stand four inches shorter than Joshua, making the champion wary of the speed his opponent could bring, not to mention the determination that comes with seeking a world title at the age of 39.
Joshua will fight Povetkin tomorrow and the fight program is expected to begin at 4am.
[Source: BBC/Skysports.com]
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