ANTHONY JOSHUA channelled his inner Rocky Balboa by running up steps in Dubai alongside WBO cruiserweight champion Lawrence Okolie.
The 32-year-old is currently training in the United Arab Emirates as he looks to get back into peak physical condition ahead of his rematch against Oleksandr Usyk.
British icon Joshua is looking to become a three-time heavyweight champion after losing his WBA, WBO and IBF belts to the unbeaten Ukrainian in September.
AJ was enjoying some down time in Oregon earlier this month on a skiing break as he relaxed away from boxing.
But the 2012 Olympic gold medallist has now stepped up his preparations, with the Watford native putting himself through the paces alongside friend Okolie.
Okolie, 29, shared a video on Instagram of the pair working up a sweat in the Gulf nation.
Captioning the clip, the 2016 Olympian said: “Anthony Joshua and the boys said they wanted to try out @Okoliefit, so we went through a conditioning days.
“Solid work out this morning in Dubai with the team, we are taking @Okoliefit global.
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“Here at @okoliefit we are looking forward to smashing the new year together!! As always, You have the power to change your life!!”
Joshua also took to his Instagram story of the duo running up steps, reminiscent of legendary fictional boxer Rocky sprinting up the steps leading to the entrance of the Philadelphia Museum of Art.
He captioned the footage: “Helping the champ get ready for his world title defence.”
AJ recently commented that he will be taking a more ‘mental approach’ to training as he looks to return to the pinnacle of the heavyweight division.
Speaking at an Under Armour panel, the former British and Commonwealth champ remarked: “I’m not happy with what happened in my previous fight.
“You have to be angry at losing and it’s not acceptable.
“My losses should be put in my highlights reel really, as that’s the stuff that shapes you, it’s always on my mind.
“I don’t take losses well, I fight the best consistently, and I try to overcome obstacles.”
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