When Ricky Hatton wasn’t fighting he piled on the pounds.
The former world champion would put on several stone eating pies and drinking beer between fights. The Mancunian was famous for it – even though he was always in incredible shape by the time fight night came around.
Some say the legendary fighter’s drastic fluctuations in weight affected his health and may have shortened his fight career.
But for Britain’s heavyweight world champion Anthony Joshua this isn’t a problem.
The 26-year-old, who beat Dominic Breazeale in his first IBF title defence, isn’t expected back in the ring until November.
He’s not even got an opponent lined up for the fight and he’s currently away in Thailand on holiday.
But the 6ft 6in KO king hasn’t let himself get out of shape one bit.
In fact he looks just as ripped as he did the night he stepped in the ring against American Breazeale in June.
He posted a picture of himself with his trademark six pack on show captioned ‘Welcome to the Jungle’ as he enjoys some down time in Asia.
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But for Joshua the fight game is 24/7, 365 days a year.
While he might be taking some time away, he never switches of completely.
He posted a video of himself doing some light pad drills out in Thailand to keep himself ticking over.
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But one thing that the Olympic gold medal winner never neglects is his diet – it’s always on point, even when he’s not in fight camp. You certainly won’t see him tucking into pies and pints between fights.
He recently revealed the nutrition programme that has got him where he is at the top of the heavyweight tree which consists of lean meats, green veg, power-packed yams and health fats like salmon and avocados.
You won’t be surprised to learn that he rarely deviates from his strict eating plan which is geared up for optimal performance. He recently said his main cheats are apple crumble and Mars or Maltesers ice cream – but they’re off the menu when he’s in camp.
His supplement sponsor EQ Nutrition has even flown him out a stack of supps to keep him going on his travels.
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Joshua is still waiting to find out who he will face next in his second heavyweight title defence in November.
Eddie Hearn revealed that Tyson Fury’s cousin Hughie had been offered fights with Joshua before, but with a UK Doping Agency charge hanging over him it’s looking less likely he will get a crack at the champ right now.
Highly-rated New Zealand heavyweight Joseph Parker is another name on the list after yet another knock-out win put him 20-0.
Hearn is also sizing up bouts with Kubrat Pulev or Bermane Stiverne.
But a heavyweight unification showdown with unbeaten American champion Deontay Wilder will have to wait until next year, with the 37-0 out with a broken hand and bicep tear he sustained in a victory over Chris Arreola.
