Latest news with #DillianWhyte
The Independent
14-06-2025
- Sport
- The Independent
Eating like a champion - the foods that fuel Anthony Joshua
Have you ever wondered what a heavyweight boxer eats? The name itself provides a clue to the quantity of food (read: a lot), but what are the ingredients that go into whipping up a champion? Now we have a better idea, thanks to Anthony Joshua and his official food partner, meal delivery service PrepKitchen. In-house nutritionist Kerry Beeson has revealed Joshua's go-to meals, and shared details about how the brand fuels a successful fighter. 'Being able to achieve excellence relies so heavily upon the foods we fuel our body with,' Beeson says, 'but it can be difficult to maintain a level of discipline when immersed in an intense training schedule.' Who is Anthony Joshua's next opponent? To know how to fuel a boxer, it is important to know exactly what they are fuelling for. In Joshua's case, this is a return to the ring after being sidelined for the last nine months by an elbow injury and related surgery. Now the 35-year-old is on the cusp of a comeback, with promoter Eddie Hearn teasing potential opponents and saying Joshua is looking to 'box some time this year'. While the usual names of Fury, Dubois, and Usyk have been mentioned as possible opponents next year, Hearn says that the most-likely opponent for Joshua's next fight will be Jared Anderson or Dillian Whyte (note: this article was written hours before the 16 August card in Riyadh with Dillian Whyte was announced). Nutrition for a heavyweight boxer: Priorities 'As a heavyweight boxer, nutrition is all about fuelling explosive power, accelerating recovery and maintaining lean muscle mass while keeping your body in peak condition,' Beeson says. This means focussing on nutrient-rich foods that contain the requisite macronutrients and micronutrients a fighter needs, rather than just aiming for a specific calorie target – Ferrari are unlikely to go to your local garage to fill up their F1 cars, after all. Beeson continues. 'A whole-foods approach is ideal,' she says. 'That's complex carbohydrates for sustained energy, high-quality protein to maintain muscle and Omega-3 fats to combat inflammation and speed up recovery.' She adds: 'Hydration is also essential, especially to replace fluids lost during heavy training. And let's not forget gut health – crucial for digestion, nutrient absorption and keeping your immune system fighting fit.' Personal preferences and intolerances are another key factor in deciding what to serve up – if an athlete does not enjoy something, or it leaves them feeling sub-par, the likelihood of them eating it is significantly decreased, no matter the performance benefits. Beyond this, there are seven pillars that Beeson prioritises for optimising sporting performance. 'At the elite level, nutrition is never one-size-fits-all, but these principles provide a strong foundation for any boxer looking to perform, recover and feel their best,' she says. Calorie control and nutrient density For a boxer, weight is critical. Firstly, you need to make weight, although this is less of a concern among heavyweight boxers. Joshua's priority is likely to lie more in ensuring he is carrying the weight he has in a way that is optimal for performance. 'It's important to fuel your body with nutrient-rich foods that support training without adding unnecessary weight,' Beeson says. 'While some fighters may bulk then taper before a fight, this can lead to energy crashes and slower recovery. A more effective approach is to match intake to training demands consistently, helping maintain optimal body composition without the stress of last-minute weight cuts.' Consuming complex carbohydrates for sustained energy Complex carbohydrates are carbohydrates made from three or more sugar molecules linked together in a long chain. These tend to be found in plant-based wholefoods that are rich in fibre, such as oats, brown rice and sweet potatoes. They also provide excellent fuel for the long, intense training sessions often endure. 'Complex carbohydrates help maintain stable blood glucose levels, preventing fatigue and supporting mental focus during sparring and endurance work,' Beeson explains. High-quality protein for recovery and repair Protein is essential for the recovery, maintenance and growth of muscles. Anyone familiar with Anthony Joshua's imposing physique might imagine he has consumed a fair old amount of it. 'Depending on the stage of training, boxers may need anywhere from 1.6 to 3g of protein per kg of body weight daily,' says Beeson. With Joshua weighing in at more than 114kg for his most recent fight, that would suggest he needs somewhere between 182.4g and 342g of protein per day. 'It's also important,' Beeson adds, 'to balance protein with carbs, fats, and fluids to support kidney function and overall recovery.' Anti-inflammatory foods for injury prevention Inflammation is your body's way of fighting back against injury and infection, representing a pivotal part of the healing process. However, as with most biological processes within the body, it is important to find a balance because chronic inflammation leads to the continued release of inflammatory cells which can damage healthy cells. Diet can help prevent this, and also be used as a mitigation strategy against injury. 'Boxing takes a toll on the joints and soft tissues,' says Beeson. 'Including anti-inflammatory ingredients like turmeric, ginger, berries, oily fish and walnuts in your diet helps reduce inflammation and promote faster healing, which is essential in a sport with frequent impacts and potential for injury.' Gut health for digestion and immunity Gut health is a hot topic in 2025, whether you are an elite athlete or a regular Joe just trying to feel a little bit better. But it is particularly important to be mindful of the topic if you compete at boxing's top table like Joshua, Beeson says. 'A healthy gut helps your body absorb nutrients efficiently and supports your immune system,' she explains. 'It also reduces discomfort when eating around training or on fight day, when digestion needs to be as smooth as your footwork.' Micronutrients for physical and mental performance Macronutrients – protein, carbohydrates, fats and alcohol – dominate most dietary conversations. But to support sporting performance, we also need to consider micronutrients - the vitamins, minerals and more within the food we eat. 'Nutrients like B vitamins – found in eggs, salmon, wholegrains and leafy greens – and magnesium – from nuts, seeds, pulses and vegetables – play a vital role in energy production, nervous system function and muscle control, which are all key for a boxer's physical and mental sharpness,' says Beeson. Hydration and electrolyte balance It is not just what Anthony Joshua eats that is crucial from a nutrition standpoint – having a suitable hydration strategy to complement his rigorous training regime is also key. 'Fluid loss through sweat can impact performance and recovery,' Beeson explains. 'Staying hydrated supports muscle function, temperature regulation and focus. Coconut water, melon and other electrolyte-rich foods can help replace lost fluids and maintain balance.' Watch the very best boxing with a DAZN subscription DAZN is the home of combat sports, broadcasting over 185 fights a year from the world's best promoters, including Matchroom, Queensberry, Golden Boy, Misfits, PFL, BKFC, GLORY and more. An Annual Saver subscription is a one-off cost of £119.99 / $224.99 (for 12 months access), that's just 64p / $1.21 per fight. There is also a Monthly Flex Pass option (cancel any time) at £24.99 / $29.99 per month. A subscription includes weekly magazine shows, comprehensive fight library, exclusive interviews, behind-the-scenes documentaries, and podcasts and vodcasts.
BBC News
13-06-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
Heavyweight Itauma to face Whyte in Saudi
Unbeaten heavyweight Moses Itauma will face fellow Briton Dillian Whyte in Saudi Arabia on 16 20-year-old, seen as one of British boxing's top prospects, has stopped 10 of his 12 opponents since turning professional. The bout marks a major step up for the Kent fighter, with Whyte, 37, a former world-title challenger and seasoned the co-main event in Riyadh, Liverpool's WBA featherweight champion Nick Ball, 28, defends his belt against Australia's Sam on the card, former super-featherweight world champion Anthony Cacace, 36, takes on American Raymond Ford, while British heavyweight David Adeleye, 28, faces Croatia's Filip Hrgovic. Itauma set for toughest pro test Slovakia-born Itauma moved to Chatham in Kent at age three. By 16, he was sparring former world champion Lawrence Okolie and caught the attention of promoter Frank Warren.A powerful southpaw with sharp movement, Itauma was hyped as a future record-breaker - previously tipped to beat Mike Tyson's mark as the youngest heavyweight champion at 20 years and four May, he blasted out Mike Balogun in two rounds but will now face, on paper, his biggest test to date. Whyte, who has won 31 of 34 pro fights, has fought the likes of Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury but has struggled for momentum in recent years. A 2023 rematch with Joshua was scrapped after a failed drug test. He protested his innocence, claimed he was cleared of any wrongdoing and returned to action in Ireland March returned with stoppage wins over Christian Hammer and Ebenezer Tetteh, though looked far from his best. Ball and Cacace in competitive fights Ball will make a third defence of the world title he won against Raymond Ford in June Kirkby-born featherweight extended his record to 22 wins and one draw (13 KOs) with victory over TJ Doheny in challenger Sam Goodman - unbeaten in 20 bouts - was due to face Japanese superstar Naoya Inoue in January but withdrew through the undisputed super-bantamweight champion known as 'The Monster', is being tipped as a future opponent for Belfast's Anthony Cacace - who has lost just once in 24 pro bouts - is enjoying a remarkable run. He claimed the IBF title with a stunning stoppage of Joe Cordina in May 2024, then defeated Josh Warrington at Wembley Stadium in vacated the title rather than face mandatory challenger Eduardo 'Sugar' Nunez, and instead beat Leigh Wood by stoppage in Nottingham last month.
The Independent
13-06-2025
- Sport
- The Independent
Moses Itauma faces toughest test yet as Dillian Whyte fight is confirmed
Moses Itauma will take on Dillian Whyte on 16 August, it has been confirmed, as the rising heavyweight star faces his toughest test yet. Itauma, 20, has been imperious since turning professional in January 2023, going 12-0 with 10 knockouts. After obliterating Demsey McKean in December, the young Briton returned to the ring in May, dropping Mike Balogun three times to seal a second-round win. That victory also saw Itauma retain the WBO Intercontinental title, though he has missed the chance to break Mike Tyson's record as the youngest world heavyweight champion ever. Still, he continues to climb, and next time out he will be tested against domestic veteran Whyte. Whyte, 37, will box Itauma in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on 16 August, as the 'Bodysnatcher' fights for the third time since being cleared after a failed drug test in 2023. Whyte's rematch with old foe Anthony Joshua collapsed in 2023 upon the announcement that he had returned an adverse drug-test result. However, it was later found that the result had been caused by a tainted supplement, and Whyte returned to the ring in March 2024 to stop Christian Hammer. He then stopped Ebenezer Tetteh in December. In February, Whyte was due to face Joe Joyce but suffered a hand injury, leading Filip Hrgovic to step in and outpoint Joyce. Another cancelled bout ensued, with Whyte pulled from the Fabio Wardley vs Justis Huni undercard last week, as promoter Frank Warren vowed that a big contest was in the works for Whyte. That fight was later revealed as this upcoming clash with Itauma.
Yahoo
13-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Itauma vs Whyte official for Aug. 16 in Riyadh
As revealed over the weekend, Moses Itauma will face Dillian Whyte in the main event of an August 16th Riyadh show that accompanies the Esports World Cup. Itauma (12-0, 10 KO) is the heavyweight division's top prospect at just 20 years of age, demolishing his last eight opponents in under two rounds apiece. Whyte (31-3, 21 KO) is by far his most noteworthy opponent to date, but it's an open question whether he's the best; his only wins in the last 2.5 years came over professional loser Christian Hammer and the similarly hapless Ebenezer Tetteh, whom he took seven full rounds to beat when Daniel Dubois and Frazer Clarke each needed less than one. Advertisement The co-feature sees Nick Ball (22-0-1, 13 KO) defend his WBA belt against a third consecutive super bantamweight in former IBF mandatory challenger Sam Goodman (20-0, 8 KO). It's a markedly less interesting matchup than Ball's proposed clash with Luis Nery. The real standout bout pits the resurgent Anthony Cacace (24-1, 9 KO) against Raymond Ford (17-1-1, 8 KO) in one of the best super featherweight bouts you could make without a belt on the line. Heavyweight contender FIlip Hrgovic (18-1, 14 KO) also sees action against British champ David Adeleye (14-1, 13 KO) and super-prospect Hayato Tstutsumi (7-0, 4 KO) steps way back in competition against Qais Ashfaq (13-3-1, 5 KO). More from
The Sun
11-06-2025
- Sport
- The Sun
Eddie Hearn reveals new timeline for Anthony Joshua's retirement as ‘curveball' talks change plans for next fight
ANTHONY JOSHUA could be heading into his final year in boxing - as the search for his next opponent continues on. AJ is recovering from elbow surgery in May and preparing to enter training camp for his first fight since losing to Daniel Dubois in September. 3 Promoter Eddie Hearn revealed a comeback bout is targeted between October-December and Dillian Whyte, 37, was their frontrunner opponent. But now Whyte is closing in on a deal to instead face 20-year-old British sensation Moses Itauma on August 16 in Saudi Arabia. It leaves the returning Deontay Wilder as another option for Joshua - who could be approaching his final year in the sport. Hearn told DAZN: "Dillian Whyte was probably the frontrunner, to be honest with you. Now it looks like he's going to fight Moses - so that was a curveball. "Jared Anderson's been mentioned, obviously Deontay Wilder's back soon. "I think AJ would have been out the ring just over a year by the time he steps back into the ring. "He will be coming off surgery, I don't think (Tyson) Fury's going to be ready to fight around that time anyway. "But I expect it to be someone to gear him up for a really big fight in 2026. And probably, 2026 will be his last year in the sport." Wilder is coming off a KO loss to Zhilei Zhang, 42, last summer having been stunned on points by Joseph Parker, 33, in December 2023. And the 39-year-old now returns on June 27 in Kansas against little-known 24-5 Tyrrell Herndon - where he can look to revive the AJ fight once more. 'We never know' - Tyson Fury refuses to rule out comeback as Anthony Joshua nears new 'amazing' fight deal Hearn added: "AJ-Wilder's a massive fight as well and I think because of the loss to Dubois, it makes the fight more palatable. "Especially if Wilder can come back with a good win." Fury, 36, was twice beaten by Oleksandr Usyk, 38, last year and announced his retirement in January a month after losing the rematch. But Hearn still holds out hope the unpredictable Gypsy King will return to fight Joshua - setting up a swan song double header. He said: "It's probably three fights away. For me, if I'm advising AJ, we're back this year, we have two Tyson Fury fights, what else is there to do? "Maybe fight a Daniel Dubois, but for me once AJ fights Tyson Fury, he's kind of done it all. "I'd love him to have another crack at Daniel Dubois and I'd love him to have another crack at Usyk but you just keep going on and on and on. "Now, if we get to next year and he's still firing on all cylinders then 2026 won't be his last year. "But for me, something feels right about coming back this year, beating Tyson Fury twice and then sailing off into the sunset." 3 3
