ANTHONY JOSHUA’S physio revealed his training secrets ahead Usyk clash. This included two-hour naps and caffeine loading, as well as a soundproof bedroom.
Joshua, 31, is a heavyweight champion and has been working with Rob Madden, physiotherapist since he became a professional in 2013.
Anthony Joshua was weighed in at 17st 2lbs more than his opponent Oleksandr Uzyk
Madden stated to the Daily Mail that there are four main pillars to Joshua's performance.
"His boxing, mental preparation, nutrition and physical preparation are all important. Then, he will sleep and recover.
"Joshua has adjusted to Rob McCracken's late training, as that's when his sharpness and energy are at their peak. He goes to bed at 1am every night and takes naps during the day.
"The nutrition is top-notch, working with the chefs so that all the necessary nutrients are getting in to strengthen his immune system.
"The joy and culture that surrounds him is also reflected in the food. It's very casual.
"My domain is the physical preparation. He can also do things on his own.
"Before and during sessions, he does his foam rolling and rotations, as well as yoga.
His sleep is my number one priority. He's in the ring, has all the attention, so it must be difficult to switch off during fight week.
BETTING SPECIAL - GET JOSHUA TO WIN IN ROUNDS 1-6 AT 60/1 OR ANYTIME AT 25/1"We make sure that his room is soundproofed with high-quality bedding, low temperatures, and blackout blinds.
"We do all we can to make his bedroom a cold cave. This is a huge responsibility.
"On the day before the fight, he will sleep for two hours and then caffeinate for a few hours to energise himself.
"Mind, body nutrition, sleep, and mind. It's just like the tyres on your car. All of them must be inflated.
Ukrainian cruiserweight king Usyk (34), defeated Derek Chisora in order to be Joshua's mandatory challenger for the WBO heavyweight title.
He looked like he would have had to wait for his title shot. However, it seemed that AJ and Tyson Fury could be in the finals of their all-British heavyweight match.
The fight ended when Fury was given permission to fight Deontay wilder for the third time. This was after an arbitration ruling in favor of the American, paving the way for Usyk's fight against Joshua.
Madden spoke out about AJ's fight against Usyk. He said that the team had worked hard to find sparring partners. They looked closely at southpaws as well as lighter weights.
"Joshua is also adapting. He is coming in much leaner for the fight. Usyk is a skilled fighter with a lot of talent.
Joshua was dealt a huge blow when Fury's fight vanished. This showdown would have been the turning point in their careers.
"We were on the right track. It was happening, for all we knew. Madden said that we were discussing stadiums, and had been having team meetings about starting camp.
It was shocking and very disappointing. Joshua wanted to fight, and was mentally ready for it. But he doesn’t live in the past.
"Once the fight was over, Joshua went straight to Eddie Hearn for help. He is now fully focused on Usyk."
Joshua and Usyk: All information about the TV, stream, and undercard ahead of Saturday's heavyweight fight
AJ is said to consume around 5,000 calories per day in preparation for a fight in order to stay in good shape.
He eats five eggs each morning, along with other meals. At lunch, he eats two chicken breasts (the same size as four regular ones) and two fillet steaks for dinner.
Joshua was 17st 2lbs before the Usyk fight. This is the exact weight he was in December 2020 when he defeated Kubrat Pulev, a heavyweight from Bulgaria.
