Anthony Joshua 244.5 vs. Oleksandr Usyk 221.5 – weigh-in results

By Barry Holbrook: Oleksandr Usyk surprised many fans by weighing in at 221.5 lbs on Friday at the weigh-in for his title defense against AnthonyJoshua this Saturday night in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

Usyk’s weight is considerably less than what a lot of people had expected it to be, as they felt he would weigh between 230 and 245 for the fight.

Instead, Usyk’s weight is a quarter pound heavier than the 221 1/4 lbs that he weighed for his first fight against Joshua last September.

“You see, your expectations not every time are met,” said Oleksandr Usyk about the boxing fans that had expected him to come in heavier.

Usyk was wise to keep his weight at the same number as the first ffight, as why would he change it?

He found success last time he fought Joshua, so it would have been foolish to bulk up and add a lot useless weight that would slow him down.

For his part,  Joshua (24-2, 22 KOs) weighed in at 244.5 lbs, which is heavier than the 240 lbs he weighed in his first fight against Usyk last September. It’s safe  to say that Joshua plans on using his extra size to be aggressive with Usyk.

“One thing I’ve noticed about this stuff is it’s just about the night. The fight can be won or lost on fight week,” said Anthony Joshua to BBC Sounds.

“I’m keeping my mind on the job. Everything I say is irrelevant unless I go do what I need to do. I just got to do what I need to do, and everything I say becomes gospel.

“I’m just going to get in there on Saturday night and do my job. That’s where I’m at. I’ve ticked a lot of boxes. My success in the ring, which I put to is hard work. It ain’t based just on talent.

“I’ve worked harder than I have previously and pushed myself in different areas, and those markers have been ticked off. Also, the mental aspect as well, which is something that can be overlooked as well.

“I’ve also trained myself mentally, and those boxes have definitely been ticked, and hopefully, the unveiling happens on Saturday night.

“The same way I beat [Roberto] Cammarelle in the [2012] Olympics, and the same way I’ve done it back in the day. The same way I shouldn’thave is just through will and determination,” said Joshua.