are at opposite ends of the heavyweight weight scale />
Anthony Joshua has been gradually weighing more and more, but Deontay Wilder is getting lighter. James Dielhenn assesses their opposite approaches…
The weight debate
| Anthony Joshua | Deontay Wilder | |
| March ’18 | 15st 5lbs – Ortiz | |
| Nov ’17 | 15st 10lbs – Stiverne | |
| Oct ’17 | 18st 2lbs – Takam | |
| April ’17 | 17st 12lbs – Klitschko | |
| Feb ’17 | 15st 12lbs – Washington | |
| Dec ’16 | 17st 11lbs – Molina | |
| July ’16 | 16st 2lbs – Arreola | |
| June ’16 | 17st 6lbs – Breazeale | |
| April ’16 | 17st 6lbs – Martin | |
| Jan ’16 | 16st 4lbs – Szpilka |
There is a difference of almost three stone if you compare Joshua and Wilder’s most recent weigh-in results. Joshua has been at his career-heaviest in each of his most recent two fights, while Wilder has been slimming down in each of his past five.
The world heavyweight champions are at opposite ends of the spectrum for their division and eventually, one will be exposed as too heavy or the other will be proven to be too small.
The Olympic years
Wilder competed in the weight division below Joshua, at their respective Olympics. In 2008 aged 22, Wilder won a bronze medal as a heavyweight (maximum of 200lbs / 14st 4lbs) which is the equivalent of cruiserweight as a professional. In 2012 aged 22, Joshua won gold as a super-heavyweight (above 200lbs / 14st 4lbs).
Different reactions to their heaviest ever weights
Wilder’s heaviest is nearly two stone lighter than Joshua’s heaviest. Wilder was 229lbs / 16st 5lbs when he beat Eric Molina in 2015.
Wilder was taken nine rounds by Molina, the longest he had boxed by five rounds. He has then gradually lost weight ever since.
Joshua posted 250lbs / 17st 12lbs against Wladimir Klitschko last year, and like Wilder at his heaviest, was also dragged longer in a fight than ever before. But his reaction was different.
Joshua’s weight increased again when he fought Carlos Takam in his most recent fight, where he was taken 10 rounds.
What is their optimum weight?
How does Joseph Parker measure up?
The WBO champion, who will unify his belt with Joshua’s on March 31 live on Sky Sports Box Office, has held a more consistent weight. He stands two inches shorter than Joshua, three less than Wilder.
Joseph Parker’s key weigh-in results
- Fury: 17st 7lbs
- Cojanu: 17st 9lbs
- Ruiz: 17st 9lbs
- Dimitrenko: 17st 2lbs
Watch Anthony Joshua vs Joseph Parker at the Principality Stadium, Cardiff, March 31, live on Sky Sports Box Office.
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Sourse: skysports.com
