A leaner and lighter Anthony Joshua weighed in some six pounds heavier than Joseph Parker on Friday for the battle of the undefeated heavyweight world champions in Cardiff.

The Briton tipped the scales at 17 stones four pounds and two ounces at the weigh-in, attended by a crowd of more than 4,000, compared to the New Zealander`s 16 stones 12 pounds and seven ounces.

Joshua, the reigning WBA, IBF and IBO world champion, is also taller and with a six inch reach advantage over Parker, who will be bringing his WBO belt to the Principality Stadium for Saturday night`s unification fight.

The Briton had stepped into the ring against Cameroonian-French opponent Carlos Takam in Cardiff last October, for a defence he won in 10 rounds, at a career-high 18 stones and two pounds.

"I`ve been running well, training well," said the 2012 Olympic champion, who has a 20-0 record with all his fights won by knockout.

"Losing that little bit of extra weight has made things that little bit easier.

"I feel better...if everything goes to plan, you`ll see I`ll be a lot sharper and my reactions and timing will be a lot better," the Briton told the crowd.

Joshua`s camp had made much of just how seriously the 28-year-old was taking training, his obsession with shedding the pounds and how that had been paying off in his ringcraft and training.

Parker, 24-0, took it as a compliment ahead of what will be the biggest fight of his career, with an 80,000-strong crowd expected through the doors on Saturday.

"It makes me think that he`s taking this fight really seriously, he`s trained very hard," he said after standing face to face and staring into the eyes of his opponent for the last time before they meet in the ring.

"He`s in good shape, I`m in good shape. There`s not much of a weight difference, which is good. we`re both going to be fast for tomorrow night, we`re both going to move well and throw some big bombs."

Parker said he saw confidence in Joshua`s eyes, and was ready for anything.

"I`m here for a good fight, I`m here for war," he declared. "You`re going to have to give me everything to beat me...he`s got a bigger crowd but that doesn`t matter, that doesn`t faze us."&nbsp

Saturday`s fight will bring the heavyweight title a step closer to undisputed status and put the focus even more on American Deontay Wilder, who holds the WBC crown and is undefeated in 40.

Joshua is also taller and with a six inch reach advantage over Parker

A leaner and lighter Anthony Joshua weighed in some six pounds heavier than Joseph Parker on Friday for the battle of the undefeated heavyweight world champions in Cardiff. The Briton tipped the scales at 17 stones four pounds and two ounces at the weigh-in, attended by a crowd of more than 4,000, compared to the New Zealander`s 16 stones 12 pounds and seven ounces. Joshua, the reigning WBA, IBF and IBO world champion, is also taller and with a six inch reach advantage over Parker, who will be bringing his WBO belt to the Principality Stadium for Saturday night`s unification fight. The Briton had stepped into the ring against Cameroonian-French opponent Carlos Takam in Cardiff last October, for a defence he won in 10 rounds, at a career-high 18 stones and two pounds. "I`ve been running well, training well," said the 2012 Olympic champion, who has a 20-0 record with all his fights won by knockout. "Losing that little bit of extra weight has made things that little bit easier. "I feel better...if everything goes to plan, you`ll see I`ll be a lot sharper and my reactions and timing will be a lot better," the Briton told the crowd. Joshua`s camp had made much of just how seriously the 28-year-old was taking training, his obsession with shedding the pounds and how that had been paying off in his ringcraft and training. Parker, 24-0, took it as a compliment ahead of what will be the biggest fight of his career, with an 80,000-strong crowd expected through the doors on Saturday. "It makes me think that he`s taking this fight really seriously, he`s trained very hard," he said after standing face to face and staring into the eyes of his opponent for the last time before they meet in the ring. "He`s in good shape, I`m in good shape. There`s not much of a weight difference, which is good. we`re both going to be fast for tomorrow night, we`re both going to move well and throw some big bombs." Parker said he saw confidence in Joshua`s eyes, and was ready for anything. "I`m here for a good fight, I`m here for war," he declared. "You`re going to have to give me everything to beat me...he`s got a bigger crowd but that doesn`t matter, that doesn`t faze us." Saturday`s fight will bring the heavyweight title a step closer to undisputed status and put the focus even more on American Deontay Wilder, who holds the WBC crown and is undefeated in 40.

Leaner and lighter Joshua still outweighs Parker on the scales

Heavyweight boxing moved closer to having an undisputed world champion after it was announced Sunday that Britain&#39;s Anthony Joshua and New Zealand&#39;s Joseph Parker will meet for a multiple title bout in Cardiff on March 31.

Joshua will put his World Boxing Association and International Boxing Federation belts on the line against Parker, the World Boxing Organisation champion.

Matchroom Boxing, Joshua&#39;s promoters, said the bout would take place at the 74,500 capacity Principality Stadium, best known for staging Wales rugby union internationals.

&quot;I would like to announce the official news that myself and Joseph Parker will be fighting on March 31 at Principality Stadium in Cardiff,&quot; said Joshua.

&quot;It is a unification heavyweight championship fight. We all know what happened last time I was in a unification heavyweight championship fight -- it was gruelling, it was interesting and we both left the ring with masses of respect,&quot; the 28-year-old added.

&quot;These fights aren&#39;t easy because there is a lot on the line, so respect to team Parker for taking the challenge. I am looking forward to it, training camp is underway and before you know it March 31 will be upon us.&quot;

Joshua, the London 2012 Olympic super-heavyweight champion, unified the WBA and IBF titles with a dramatic and hard-fought win over Wladimir Klitschko at Wembley in April before retaining both belts against Carlos Takam in a late-stoppage win in Cardiff in October.

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???????????????????????????????? <a href="https://t.co/RS4NXgLX08">pic.twitter.com/RS4NXgLX08</a>
&mdash; Anthony Joshua (@anthonyfjoshua) <a href="https://twitter.com/anthonyfjoshua/status/952493462124990464?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 14, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Parker, 26, became the WBO champion in December 2016.

He made his British debut last year with majority points win over challenger Hughie Fury, a cousin of former world heavyweight champion Tyson Fury.

Parker&#39;s performance against Fury did not impress some ringside observers.

But Parker was adamant his punching power would test Joshua.

&quot;Anthony Joshua is in for a huge shock,&quot; he said. &quot;A couple of months ago I heard him say &#39;why should I be worried about this little kid from New Zealand&#39;?

&quot;Well, now he&#39;s about to find out. And the world is about to find out whether AJ can really take a punch.&nbsp;

&quot;My entire existence is now devoted to proving what the boxing world already knows.&quot;

Sunday&#39;s announcement concluded weeks of sometimes fraught talks between the two camps.

&quot;I&#39;m delighted to get this fight made &ndash;- it&#39;s been a long time coming,&quot; said Joshua&rsquo;s promoter Eddie Hearn.&nbsp;

&quot;Champions should fight champions and AJ continue to step up to the challenges.&quot;

&nbsp;

Joshua will fight Parker on March 31 in heavyweight unification bout at Cardiff’s Principality Stadium

Heavyweight boxing moved closer to having an undisputed world champion after it was announced Sunday that Britain's Anthony Joshua and New Zealand's Joseph Parker will meet for a multiple title bout in Cardiff on March 31. Joshua will put his World Boxing Association and International Boxing Federation belts on the line against Parker, the World Boxing Organisation champion. Matchroom Boxing, Joshua's promoters, said the bout would take place at the 74,500 capacity Principality Stadium, best known for staging Wales rugby union internationals. "I would like to announce the official news that myself and Joseph Parker will be fighting on March 31 at Principality Stadium in Cardiff," said Joshua. "It is a unification heavyweight championship fight. We all know what happened last time I was in a unification heavyweight championship fight -- it was gruelling, it was interesting and we both left the ring with masses of respect," the 28-year-old added. "These fights aren't easy because there is a lot on the line, so respect to team Parker for taking the challenge. I am looking forward to it, training camp is underway and before you know it March 31 will be upon us." Joshua, the London 2012 Olympic super-heavyweight champion, unified the WBA and IBF titles with a dramatic and hard-fought win over Wladimir Klitschko at Wembley in April before retaining both belts against Carlos Takam in a late-stoppage win in Cardiff in October. ???????????????????????????????? pic.twitter.com/RS4NXgLX08 — Anthony Joshua (@anthonyfjoshua) January 14, 2018 × Parker, 26, became the WBO champion in December 2016. He made his British debut last year with majority points win over challenger Hughie Fury, a cousin of former world heavyweight champion Tyson Fury. Parker's performance against Fury did not impress some ringside observers. But Parker was adamant his punching power would test Joshua. "Anthony Joshua is in for a huge shock," he said. "A couple of months ago I heard him say 'why should I be worried about this little kid from New Zealand'? "Well, now he's about to find out. And the world is about to find out whether AJ can really take a punch. "My entire existence is now devoted to proving what the boxing world already knows." Sunday's announcement concluded weeks of sometimes fraught talks between the two camps. "I'm delighted to get this fight made –- it's been a long time coming," said Joshua’s promoter Eddie Hearn. "Champions should fight champions and AJ continue to step up to the challenges."

Anthony Joshua to fight Joseph Parker for world heavyweight title

Heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua said on Wednesday (October 18) that he is in no rush to fight in the United States as he prepares to take on Frenchman Carlos Takam in Cardiff.

The British fighter defends his IBF world title against Takam on October 28 after Bulgaria&#39;s Kubrat Pulev withdrew due to a shoulder injury.

The fight will be 28-year-old Joshua&#39;s first since defeating Wladimir Klitschko to win the WBA title in April at Wembley Stadium.

Takam is ranked third in the IBF rankings and Joshua said will face a tough challenge against the 36-year-old due to the different style and height of his new opponent.

Joshua is undefeated in 19 fights since turning professional in 2013 and will face Cuban Luis Ortiz, the mandatory challenger for his WBA title, after the Takam fight.

Heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua defends his IBF world title against Takam on October 28

Heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua said on Wednesday (October 18) that he is in no rush to fight in the United States as he prepares to take on Frenchman Carlos Takam in Cardiff. The British fighter defends his IBF world title against Takam on October 28 after Bulgaria's Kubrat Pulev withdrew due to a shoulder injury. The fight will be 28-year-old Joshua's first since defeating Wladimir Klitschko to win the WBA title in April at Wembley Stadium. Takam is ranked third in the IBF rankings and Joshua said will face a tough challenge against the 36-year-old due to the different style and height of his new opponent. Joshua is undefeated in 19 fights since turning professional in 2013 and will face Cuban Luis Ortiz, the mandatory challenger for his WBA title, after the Takam fight.

Joshua says he is in no rush to fight in the U.S

A mouthwatering world heavyweight title showdown early next year between Britain&#39;s Anthony Joshua and former champion Wladimir Klitschko took a major step closer on Wednesday after the WBA sanctioned it.

The exciting Joshua, 27, who won the IBF title in April after it was voluntarily vacated by troubled compatriot Tyson Fury, must first come through the defence of his belt against solid journeyman Eric Molina in December in Manchester.

Joshua&#39;s manager Eddie Hearn had originally hoped the Klitschko clash would take place in December, but they had to wait on the WBA decision.

In the meantime, Hearn acknowledged there was risk in taking on 34-year-old Molina, whose previous world title contest saw him push WBC holder Deontay Wilder to nine rounds in June 2015.

&quot;It&#39;s been an arduous wait to gain official approval but we were delighted to receive the news that the WBA will officially sanction the fight between Anthony Joshua and Wladimir Klitschko for the WBA super title,&quot; Hearn said on www.matchroomboxing.com.

&quot;We will now move forward with (Klitschko&#39;s manager) Bernd Boente and Team Klitschko in planning the date and venue knowing that victory against Eric Molina in Manchester on December 10 is more important than ever.&quot;

Matchroom said the fight would be staged in &quot;spring 2017&quot;.

While it has been a momentous year for 2012 Olympic champion Joshua, who boasts a 17-0 record with all victories by knock-out, it has been a frustrating one for 40-year-old Klitschko.

The Ukrainian had hoped to regain the IBF, WBO and WBA belts which he lost to Fury in a stunning upset last November.

His rematch with Fury for the WBA and WBO belts had been set for July 9, only for an injury to force the British fighter out.

Fury then pulled out of a second bout scheduled for late October because of depression and he vacated the WBA and WBO belts so he could focus on battling his mental turmoil.

(AFP)

Joshua must first come through the defence of his belt against solid journeyman Eric Molina in December in Manchester

A mouthwatering world heavyweight title showdown early next year between Britain's Anthony Joshua and former champion Wladimir Klitschko took a major step closer on Wednesday after the WBA sanctioned it. The exciting Joshua, 27, who won the IBF title in April after it was voluntarily vacated by troubled compatriot Tyson Fury, must first come through the defence of his belt against solid journeyman Eric Molina in December in Manchester. Joshua's manager Eddie Hearn had originally hoped the Klitschko clash would take place in December, but they had to wait on the WBA decision. In the meantime, Hearn acknowledged there was risk in taking on 34-year-old Molina, whose previous world title contest saw him push WBC holder Deontay Wilder to nine rounds in June 2015. "It's been an arduous wait to gain official approval but we were delighted to receive the news that the WBA will officially sanction the fight between Anthony Joshua and Wladimir Klitschko for the WBA super title," Hearn said on www.matchroomboxing.com. "We will now move forward with (Klitschko's manager) Bernd Boente and Team Klitschko in planning the date and venue knowing that victory against Eric Molina in Manchester on December 10 is more important than ever." Matchroom said the fight would be staged in "spring 2017". While it has been a momentous year for 2012 Olympic champion Joshua, who boasts a 17-0 record with all victories by knock-out, it has been a frustrating one for 40-year-old Klitschko. The Ukrainian had hoped to regain the IBF, WBO and WBA belts which he lost to Fury in a stunning upset last November. His rematch with Fury for the WBA and WBO belts had been set for July 9, only for an injury to force the British fighter out. Fury then pulled out of a second bout scheduled for late October because of depression and he vacated the WBA and WBO belts so he could focus on battling his mental turmoil. (AFP)

Joshua vs Klitschko: WBA sanction world heavyweight title for early next year

Anthony&nbsp;Joshua&nbsp;will put his IBF world heavyweight title on the line against American Eric Molina in Manchester on December&nbsp;10, the British fighter&#39;s camp said on Tuesday.

&quot;I&#39;m expecting this to be the toughest fight of my career so far and I will be ready for an all-out war,&quot;&nbsp;Joshua, who will be making his second defence of the belt, said in a statement.

In April, he stopped American Dominic Breazeale in the seventh round to take his professional record to 17-0.

Molina, 34, has fought for the world title once before, losing to Deontay Wilder for the WBC crown in 2015.

Joshua&nbsp;had been linked to a potential clash with veteran Wladimir Klitschko who lost his IBF, WBO and WBA belts to Tyson Fury last November. Klitschko hopes of a re-match were scuppered by Fury&#39;s mental health issues.

That fight could take place early next year, according to&nbsp;Joshua&#39;s promoter Eddie Hearn.

&quot;Although the plans are for a major unification in the spring this fight requires Anthony&#39;s full focus,&quot; Hearn said.

Unbeaten Anthony Joshua expects 'toughest fight' when he takes on Eric Molina, after his proposed bout with Klitschko fell through

Anthony Joshua will put his IBF world heavyweight title on the line against American Eric Molina in Manchester on December 10, the British fighter's camp said on Tuesday. "I'm expecting this to be the toughest fight of my career so far and I will be ready for an all-out war," Joshua, who will be making his second defence of the belt, said in a statement. In April, he stopped American Dominic Breazeale in the seventh round to take his professional record to 17-0. Molina, 34, has fought for the world title once before, losing to Deontay Wilder for the WBC crown in 2015. Joshua had been linked to a potential clash with veteran Wladimir Klitschko who lost his IBF, WBO and WBA belts to Tyson Fury last November. Klitschko hopes of a re-match were scuppered by Fury's mental health issues. That fight could take place early next year, according to Joshua's promoter Eddie Hearn. "Although the plans are for a major unification in the spring this fight requires Anthony's full focus," Hearn said.

Joshua to fight Molina in heavyweight title defence

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Leaner and lighter Joshua still outweighs Parker on the scales

Anthony Joshua to fight Joseph Parker for world heavyweight title

Joshua says he is in no rush to fight in the U.S

Joshua vs Klitschko: WBA sanction world heavyweight title for early next year

Joshua to fight Molina in heavyweight title defence