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Boxing

08th Apr 2016

This is the 4,500-calorie diet that has gotten man mountain Anthony Joshua into fighting shape

That's a lot of protein

Darragh Murphy

When you’re 6 ft 6 in, recommended daily allowances must be taken with a pinch of salt.

Or, in Anthony Joshua’s case, with a pot of Greek yoghurt.

‘AJ’ faces the biggest challenge of his young professional career when he meets Charles Martin for the undisputed IBF heavyweight title in London’s O2 Arena on Saturday night.

Anthony Joshua and Charles Martin Press Conference

The 2012 Olympic gold medallist has torn through everyone who’s stood in his path thus far as he’s accrued a perfect record of fifteen wins, no losses with all victories coming by way of knockout.

Joshua weighed in at 244 lbs at Friday afternoon’s weigh-ins but there didn’t look to be an ounce of fat on the 26-year-old as he faced off with his American opponent.

Boxing at The O2

You might wonder what kind of fuel a machine like Joshua requires to get into such pristine shape. Well, thanks to Gareth A. Davies of The Telegraph, now we know.

In a recent interview, Joshua revealed the 4,500-calorie daily diet that keeps him energised for his gruelling training regimen and while it doesn’t look a world away from the average diet of an athlete, we reckon that the portions are absolutely massive to add up to 4,500 calories (the RDA for an average male of his age is 2,500).

Matchroom Boxing - Resurrection

Breakfast: Two slices of wholemeal bread, one banana, five raw eggs, one pot of Greek yoghurt and one serving of apple juice.

Lunch: Two fillets of raw salmon, two baked potatoes (skin removed), bean salad and water.

Afternoon snack: Greek yoghurt, fruit salad and muesli.

Dinner: Chicken (no skin), white pitta bread, mashed potatoes with butter, mixed vegetables, orange juice.

Diet supplemented by regular energy drinks and water for hydration.