ANTHONY JOSHUA looks in sensational shape as he prepares for his December world title defence against Kubrat Pulev.
That fight was originally scheduled for this summer, but was postponed as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.
Now it is set to happen a few weeks before Christmas, with AJ’s promoter Eddie Hearn still hoping to hold the bout at London’s O2 Arena.
But despite the long wait until his next fight, the 30-year-old WBA, WBO and IBF heavyweight king is still keeping in top condition.
Joshua shared a snap of his bulky physique along with friends onto his Instagram Stories.
In another he was pictured in the ring with cruiserweight world title hopeful and fellow Brit Lawrence Okolie.
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AJ won his first world title in 2015 at 17st 6lbs, thrilled the planet with the 2017 Wladimir Klitschko win up at 17st 12lbs and out-muscled Carlos Takam at a giant 18st 2lbs six months later.
But the disastrous June 2019 loss to Andy Ruiz Jr – when Josh was a ripped 17st 9lbs Adonis – sparked a shake-up of his style, corner and size.
Joshua dropped almost a stone to outbox the bulbous Mexican over 12 one-sided rounds in December at a new slimline 16st 13lbs – his lightest in five years – looking unrecognisable in some pre-fight pics.
But the latest snaps show a return to the mammoth KO artist that scored most of his finest stoppage wins teetering close to 18st.
December opponent Pulev has recently branded Joshua “arrogant” for focusing on his fight against Tyson Fury before he has even faced him.
Should he beat the 39-year-old Bulgarian, AJ looks set to fight British rival Fury, 32, twice next year.
But Pulev has warned the 30-year-old against underestimating him – just like he did against Andy Ruiz Jr.
In an interview via the Betway Insider blog, Pulev was asked about the showdown between AJ and Fury.
He said: “This is also very arrogant.
“Talking about Fury because he doesn’t think about my fight, like last time with Ruiz.
“But life showed him that this is very bad when someone does that.
“That’s why he will take his second knockout of his life.”
Joshua is set to be ringside to watch bitter Brit rival Dillian Whyte, who he beat back in 2016, fight Alexander Povetkin for the WBC Diamond belt.
Whyte has warned AJ he will chin him if he approaches his ring on Saturday.
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