Oleksandr Usyk Anthony Joshua Both Weigh Similar To First Fight

On the day before their highly anticipated, Saturday night unified heavyweight title rematch, champion Oleksandr Usyk and former champion, now challenger, Anthony Joshua hit the scales in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. And, just like their first bout last September, the Brit will again have a significant weight advantage in the ring.

At the King Abdullah Sports Complex Friday, Joshua and Usyk both weighed in with the champion remaining similar to their first fight at 221.6 lb.

Joshua, who lost his titles on a 12 round decision to the Ukrainian 11 months ago at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in England, was slightly more than the 240 lb. he was in their first fight. This, as he clocked in at 244.6 lb. in front of thousands of fans, media and onlookers,

The return 🔥🔥#UsykJoshua2 pic.twitter.com/jr5aNiFD5c

— Matchroom Boxing (@MatchroomBoxing) August 19, 2022

There had been some debate as to whether Usyk would come in heavier than the first Joshua fight, but the former undisputed cruiserweight champion still appears to be in great shape and his weight is similar as when he fought England’s Derek Chisora. He was 217 lb. for that decision win in England in October of 2020.

As for Joshua, he also came in right around the same weight as his December 2020 title defense win over Kubrat Pulev, where he was 240.5 lb. Another reference for Joshua is that in his December 2019 rematch rematch win in Saudi Arabia over Andy Ruiz he had tipped the scales at 237 lb.

Hear Dan Rafael and me previewing Usyk-Joshua II and hear some of Dan’s Q & A with Joshua, too on our latest “Big Fight Weekend Preview” podcast by clicking play below,

Bottom line. Both fighters appear fit and there is not anything alarming from their weights Friday.

The Ukrainian Usyk is a former Olympic champion, as well as the former Undisputed Cruiserweight World Champion. He stands at  19-0, 13 KOs with the signature win being that impressive, upset decision over Joshua in his backyard.

As for the Brit Joshua, he comes to the Middle East with his career on the line, again. even though he’s  24-2, 22 KOs, he’s lost two of his last four fights. And, a third loss in five bouts on Saturday night would spell doom in the short term for his marketability and future prospects in 2023 and beyond.