I agree that in this particular fight everything I've written in this thread doesn't have to turn into AJ's disadvantage. However when I think about the serious guys like Wilder and Fury stiffness will be AJ's biggest problem imo. The best examples to look forward to are Lennox and Wlad. They both were Anthony's size but didn't have so much muscle mass. They moved much better than Joshua and of course their technique was superior but their let's say more flexible build also helped them. And they didn't lack any strength either.
You realize you can increase stamina with weight-workouts using intervall methods? I don't know anything about AJs workout routines but weights are a good way to stay in shape (= VO2max).
I have it on excellent authority that he swears by a regimen of dawn runs on the street of London with hobnail boots on, chopping down Yew trees and soaking his fists in brine every morn and eve.
I do realize that, you can also increase stamina without weights. And yes, weights are great to stay in shape and keep or increase muscle mass, but that's the point of this thread, in my opinion he should lose muscle mass.
Working out doesn't mean you gain muscles. It depends on the weight you're lifting. You can do light muscle training and you won't gain a lot of muscles if you don't have consistent progress in your plan (more weight or more reps). Working out is a good thing to keep the body and especially the muscles busy and strong. No reason to think he'll like Phil Heath in a few months.
Joshua is probably doing the same as he always has done because its working for him, go figure. Mystery solved.
I am certain him and his team are aware of the fact his stamina could be better and whether or not his muscle mass is a major factor here. They probably think the trade off between muscle mass and stamina is at its best at his current weight. I am not sure I have enough info to disagree with them.
Ok so because 'h8me' from 'boxingforum24' thinks Joshua has too much muscle, he should stop weight training altogether.. I think there's a real lack of basic understanding about strength from a few posters on here. You don't just 'stop' doing strength training as an elite athlete.
Only on this forum, could a boxer be criticised for working out. Would it be better if Joshua followed the Fury/Miller strategy of Cheeseburgers and PEDs instead?
Of course but look at his physique since he turned pro. He either gains or maintains muscle mass and I believe he that's no good for him.
I believe I made myself clear enough in this thread. Weight-lifting isn't bad but Joshua looks like a bodybuilder and it limits his movement and mobility.