Friday 27 October 2017 21:48, UK
Anthony Joshua weighed heavier than ever for his world title fight with Carlos Takam in Cardiff.
The WBA 'super' and IBF champion tipped the scales at 18st 2lbs, even more than his previous high of 17st 12lbs 2oz, as he weighed in for his heavyweight fight with Takam at the Principality Stadium on Saturday night, live on Sky Sports Box Office.
Joshua was thought to have shed pounds after coming in at his previous career heaviest for the Wladimir Klitschko fight, but he maintained his muscular physique for his latest title defence against Takam, who was over a stone lighter at 16st 11lbs.
The unbeaten 28-year-old has weighed increasingly more for his last few fights, climbing upwards from the 17st 2lbs he registered against Dominic Breazeale last summer, but 'AJ' insists he is continuing to "fill out" naturally.
I have to break him down, I'm hungry still, forever I will be.
"I was reading everywhere that I was going to come in a stone lighter," Joshua told Sky Sports. "I've done a lot more running. Maybe I'm starting to fill out and find my natural weight."
Joshua was full of respect for his France-based Cameroonian challenger, who stepped in as a replacement for the injured Kubrat Pulev last week.
"Takam has a mindset of nothing to lose," said Joshua. "That's a dangerous mindset to have, but I have to deal with these styles.
"I have to break him down, I'm hungry still, forever I will be.
"Against Klitschko, it was a really intense fight, it's just knowing my positioning in the ring and to be comfortable. The outcome remains the same on Saturday."
