Despite rumors of significant weight gain, Oleksandr Usyk was slightly heavier in his rematch with Anthony Joshua as the two rivals shared a 107-second view on stage ahead of Saturday’s showdown in Saudi Arabia.
The Ukrainian arrived at his 15th 11lbs (221lbs) when he defeated Joshua at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in September to win the IBF, WBA and WBO belts.
Coming into the first encounter at 17th 2lbs (240lbs), Joshua also upped his previous weight entering at 17th, 6lbs 8oz.
Training footage and speculation during the preparations show a significant improvement in Usyk’s role in anticipating the more aggressive and advanced Joshua compared to the failed plan of two-time world champion Joshua. Opening battle.
“You find that your expectations aren’t always met,” Usyk later said.
There was a thrill in the process as the two rivals shared a lengthy match in which the pair exchanged pleasantries ahead of their opener in London.
“I’ve always said that to me personally, masks don’t mean anything. Just ring bells and throw skins, masks don’t win the fight,” Joshua said onstage.
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“I’ll be honest, nothing major, it’s about the fight. The weight, the face, nothing important to me, I’m looking forward to the fight.
“I’m ready for 12 rounds, 100%, anything less is a bonus.”
After moving from cruiserweight to heavyweight at 15st 5lbs (215lbs), Usyk moved up to 15st 7lbs (217¼lbs) against Derek Chisora and 15st 11lbs (221¼lbs) with the title Joshula.
198¼ pounds was the lightest of his heavyweight career, he fought more than once and last beat Tony Bellew in 2018.
Anthony Joshua, Oleksandr Usyk
Prior to the September loss, Joshua fought Kubrat Pule at 17th 2lbs 13oz (240.8lbs) after reclaiming his world title from Andy Ruiz at 16th 13lbs (237lbs).
Earlier in the undercard weigh-in, Callum Smith confidently scored at 12 stone, 6 pounds, 11 ounces against his light heavyweight competition (12th 6 pounds, 8 ounces).
“I feel good, I feel strong at this weight, confident that I can handle it in the ring,” Smith said. “I have a new goal, and that is to become champion of both classes. I feel really good and I think I can beat anyone in the world when I’m good.”
Filip Harkovic is the lightest man at 17th at 4lb 15oz, up 19lb from the IBF world heavyweight title eliminator against Zhilei Zhang of China.
Meanwhile, Olympic silver medalist Ben Whittaker is set to take on Peter Nozick at 12.5 lbs 12 oz.
Anthony Joshua’s massive rematch against Oleksandr Usyk on Saturday August 20, live on Sky Sports Box Office. Usyk vs. Joshua 2 Book now!
