Anthony Joshua has made stunning body transformation from pro boxing debut to Francis Ngannou showdown

08/03/2024 09:00

Anthony Joshua looked much skinnier for his first professional fight in comparison to his build to face Francis Ngannou.

AJ will step into the ring with fellow heavyweight giant Ngannou in a huge showdown at the this Friday in Riyadh.

The Briton knows it could well be one of the biggest fights of his career, with the prospect of a shot at the winner of Tyson Fury v Oleksandr Usyk looming.

Joshua first stepped in the ring as a professional in October 2013, when he ousted Emanuele Leo after his Olympic gold medal triumph one year before.

He stepped on the scales as an unknown entity, but was in frightening shape which put the heavyweight division on notice.

AJ weighed in at 230lbs and was seriously ripped, but looked leaner with smaller arms and a ripped six-pack.

Throughout his career, Joshua’s weight has fluctuated which saw him tip the scales at 255.4lbs at his highest point when he outpointed Jermaine Franklin last year.

And in comparison to his first-ever appearance as a pro, Joshua looks much bigger with more powerful physique in comparison.

The 34-year-old was pictured at a photoshoot in Riyadh this week, as he flexed his current physique for the cameras.

It is very evident that his arms are much bigger in comparison, an he will likely go heavier than for his win over Leo.

Joshua is one of the bigger modern heavyweights, but is almost outsized by his rival Ngannou.

He revealed his secrets regarding weight, insisting his build changes to give him specific advantages over each different opponent.

AJ told Mens Health: “I do look at my weight but I’m not trying to make weight because I’m a heavyweight. I tailor my training.

“I am getting a lot of experience, I’ve been fighting good fighters for a long time, I’ve studied them and learned about their training camps. I’ve learned how to condition my body for specific fights.

"Listen, I'm as solid as a rock. I'm strong, I'm good at the weight. I don't really focus on my weight. It's just training.

“I just put in the work. These are different opponents and I've learnt about training for specific opponents. These guys go longer rounds.

"When you're knocking out guys in three or four rounds, it's different. I studied boxing and what works for me and weight is not a priority."