Anthony Joshua believes his weight is key to beating Andy Ruiz Jr as we reveal how it’s yo-yoed throughout his career
ANTHONY JOSHUA has claimed he could weigh less than 17 stone for this weekend's must-win rematch - for the first time since 2014.
The British powerhouse insisted he is ";punching like a horse kicking backwards" after slimming down for the Saudi Arabia showdown against Andy Ruiz Jr.
Joshua, 30, looked a shadow of his former self as he showed off his body transformation at an open workout this week.
He weighed a whopping 17st 9lbs before he was dethroned by the chubby Mexican on June 1 in New York.
After being decked four times before the fight was called off, Joshua knew he had to change his game plan for the rematch.
Speaking to , he said: "I may be less than 17 stone. I'm punching loose and heavy - rhythm and flow.
"Before I was trying to bench press a house. I used my body to get where I needed but then I started realising the sweet science of the sport.
"I am punching like a horse kicking backwards right now.
"When Muhammad Ali was training, he said he would build a shack to train in.
"There are clues to success and you have to go back to what it takes to be a great heavyweight champion.
"We had to bring in hard, rough sparring partners. I brought in the toughest and roughest."
Joshua's weight has fluctuated throughout his career, but the Watford-born bruiser has always maintained a muscular physique.
The Brit weighed 16st 6 3/4lbs when he made his professional debut against Emanuele Leo in October 2013.
And he hit an all-time low when he weighed in at 16st 5lbs for his win over Hrvoke Kisicek in November 2013.
Just three months later, he returned to the ring at a menacing 17st 3 1/2lbs to take on Dorian Darch.
After Tyson Fury mocked his "bodybuilding" physique in 2016, AJ joked: "They're hating on my beach body. If they want, I'll give them some sessions. They can come train with me."
And the orthodox champion was at his biggest when he took on Carlos Takam at 18st 2lbs in 2017.
But the 30-year-old has gone back to basics in a desperate attempt to win back his heavyweight titles this weekend.
Anthony Joshua's career weights
- Emanuele Leo - 16st 6lb
- Paul Butlin - 16st 8lb
- Hrvoje Kisicek - 16st 5lb
- Dorian Darch - 17st 3lb
- Hector Alfredo Avila - 17st
- Matt Legg - 16st 12lb
- Matt Skelton - 17st 1lb
- Konstantin Airich - 17st 2lb
- Denis Bakhtov - 16st 12lb
- Michael Sprott - 17st 2lb
- Jason Gavern - 17st 7lb
- Raphael Zumbano - 17st 10lb
- Kevin Johnson - 17st 10lb
- Gary Cornish - 17st 11lb
- Dillian Whyte - 17st 7lb
- Charles Martin - 17st 6lb
- Dominic Breazeale - 17st 5lb
- Eric Molina - 17st 11lb
- Wladimir Klitschko - 17st 12lb
- Carlos Takam - 18st 2lb
- Joseph Parker - 17st 4lb
- Alexander Povetkin - 17st 7lb
- Andy Ruiz Jr - 17st 9lb
- Andy Ruiz Jr - 16st 13lb
Ruiz Jr was by far the biggest opponent that Joshua has come up against after he stormed into the ring at 19st 2lbs.
The Mexican, who has since swapped Snickers for avocado and spinach omelettes, is aware of AJ's plan to lose weight.
He told BBC Sport: "I know he lost weight and that he will try and box me around, so it's my job to prevent that."
