Joshua vs Povetkin: Unified champion weighs in almost two stone heavier than opponent before world-title fight

Joshua came in at 17st, 8lbs, 5oz and Povetkin weighs 15st, 12lbs

Anthony Joshua has weighed in significantly heavier than his opponent, Alexander Povetkin, ahead of their heavyweight title clash on Saturday, where his IBF, WBA, IBO and WBO titles will be on the line.

The Briton came in at 17st 8lbs 5oz and Povetkin weighed 15st 12lbs – almost two stone lighter.

A confident-looking Joshua went face-to-face with his Russian rival at the weigh-in during a friendly affair in front of an audience in London.

Since his fight against Joseph Parker – a bout which he won on points, the first time he has been taken the distance in his career – Joshua was four stone heavier, and Povetkin is around half a stone lighter than he was when he knocked out David Price in emphatic style on that undercard.

Given the weight difference, Povetkin is expected to be faster than Joshua in the ring, but the champion explained that he is determined to match that speed. “He’s going to be quick, going to be fast, so I’ll put on my dancing shoes and be fast with my feet,” Joshua said. “I’m a physical, strong guy who knows how to box.

“Boxing ain’t easy, if it was I wish I could go back 15 fights and pick out the people I have beaten already. The bigger the crowd, the tougher the fight. I’m chilled out, I’m proper relaxed because Rob, my trainer said to me ‘you’ll look back at this in 30 years and think of this as the best days of your life’.”

Despite being the underdog, Povetkin, who will be watched on by Vladimir Putin, said that he is just as good as his undefeated opponent. ​”I’m just as strong as Anthony Joshua. When I fought Klitschko I was much weaker, and in much worse shape than I am now. I really, really want to take these belts back home.

The heavyweight pair will next meet at around 10pm when they enter the ring on Saturday night in front of around 80,000 fans at Wembley stadium.