Although boxing is a sport requiring skill, stamina, and strategy, heavyweights rely heavily on their size as a weapon. With a height of 6’6″ (198 cm) and a weight that ranges from 109 to 115 kg (240 to 255 lbs), Anthony Joshua is the epitome of strength and agility.
His weight is more than just a figure; it plays a significant role in his movement, stamina, and ability to knock opponents out. Joshua has changed his weight over the years to accommodate various opponents and fighting styles, which has led to debate about the best ratio of speed to bulk in contemporary heavyweight boxing.
Anthony Joshua’s Physical Stats and Weight History
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Anthony Oluwafemi Olaseni Joshua |
| Born | October 15, 1989 (Age: 35) |
| Nationality | British (United Kingdom) |
| Height | 6’6″ (198 cm) |
| Reach | 82″ (208 cm) |
| Weight Range | 109 kg – 115 kg (240 – 255 lbs) |
| Weight in Recent Fight | 112.9 kg (249 lbs) vs. Francis Ngannou |
| Boxing Record | 28 Wins (25 KOs), 3 Losses |
| Stance | Orthodox |
| Notable Fights | Oleksandr Usyk, Andy Ruiz Jr., Wladimir Klitschko |
The Significance of Weight in Heavyweight Boxing
Every pound has the power to alter a fighter’s approach in the heavyweight class. In order to avoid punches and wear down opponents, some boxers rely on speed and agility. Others, such as power punchers, dominate in the clinch and deliver powerful blows by using their weight and sheer strength.
Finding the ideal balance has been crucial for Joshua. He has experimented with his weight throughout his career:
✔ Rematch with Andy Ruiz Jr.: Joshua outboxed Ruiz from a distance after losing weight to enhance his movement.
✔ Against Oleksandr Usyk: He tried to match Usyk’s speed by coming in lighter than normal, but he was unable to keep up with the Ukrainian’s technical prowess.
✔ Against Francis Ngannou: Joshua prioritized strength and durability against the former UFC champion, reverting to a bulkier physique at 112.9 kg (249 lbs).
The question remains: should Joshua be leaner for agility or heavier for power?
Is Joshua Faster or Slower Because of His Weight?
The ongoing argument: does he gain power or does he slow down with extra weight?
A leaner Joshua is faster and has better endurance, but he might not have the force to overwhelm larger opponents.
🔹 A heavier Joshua delivers devastating knockouts, but he runs the risk of slowing down and losing stamina.
He has performed best when he finds a balance between being agile enough to avoid counterattacks and strong enough to deliver knockouts.
What Will Happen to Joshua Next? Will His Weight Increase or Decrease?
Joshua’s next bout will determine his weight strategy:
✅ Against Tyson Fury? To counter Fury’s size advantage, he might put on weight.
✅ Against Wilder, Deontay? He could maintain his slender figure to equal Wilder’s explosiveness.
✅ Another matchup with Usyk? Counterpunching and strength training would be crucial.
Joshua has demonstrated incredible flexibility by changing his body to suit every situation. What weight will bring out his best performance is still a mystery.
Anthony Joshua’s Weight Fluctuations Over the Years
Joshua’s weight changes have been deliberate and strategic, depending on the opponent. Here’s how his weight has fluctuated in key fights:
| Fight | Weight | Strategy |
|---|---|---|
| Vs. Wladimir Klitschko (2017) | 113.4 kg (250 lbs) | Balanced power and endurance |
| Vs. Andy Ruiz Jr. 1 (2019) | 112.2 kg (247.8 lbs) | Strong, but lacked mobility |
| Vs. Andy Ruiz Jr. 2 (2019) | 107.6 kg (237 lbs) | Faster movement, improved stamina |
| Vs. Oleksandr Usyk 1 (2021) | 109 kg (240 lbs) | Focused on speed, struggled with Usyk’s footwork |
| Vs. Oleksandr Usyk 2 (2022) | 110.9 kg (244.5 lbs) | Slightly heavier for strength |
| Vs. Francis Ngannou (2024) | 112.9 kg (249 lbs) | Increased power for knockout shots |
Each weight adjustment has come with trade-offs. When Joshua is lighter, he is more mobile but sacrifices power. When he is heavier, he hits harder but risks tiring out in longer fights.
How Does Joshua’s Weight Compare to Other Heavyweights?
Joshua’s weight places him somewhere in the middle of the heavyweight spectrum. Compared to Tyson Fury, he is leaner. Compared to Usyk, he is heavier and more powerful.
| Fighter | Weight | Height | Reach |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anthony Joshua | 111 kg (245 lbs) | 6’6″ (198 cm) | 82″ (208 cm) |
| Tyson Fury | 127 kg (280 lbs) | 6’9″ (206 cm) | 85″ (216 cm) |
| Deontay Wilder | 97 kg (214 lbs) | 6’7″ (201 cm) | 83″ (211 cm) |
| Oleksandr Usyk | 102 kg (225 lbs) | 6’3″ (191 cm) | 78″ (198 cm) |
| Francis Ngannou | 117 kg (258 lbs) | 6’4″ (193 cm) | 83″ (211 cm) |
Joshua must consider his opponents’ size, strength, and style when choosing his weight for each fight.
The Significance of Proper Weight
For Anthony Joshua, weight is a strategic choice rather than merely a numerical value. It dictates how he can move, strike, and outlast his rivals. His decisions regarding weight will be crucial to his success as he advances in the heavyweight class.
Joshua’s next move will undoubtedly influence the direction of heavyweight boxing, regardless of whether he gains muscle for strength or loses weight for endurance.
