Joshua vs Parker: Revealing the extraordinary diet that fuels Anthony Joshua

Anthony Joshua is consuming twice the daily calories of a normal man – and creating a diet that fulfils his monstrous needs is a challenge to the elite team around him.

Joshua’s enormous intake is building towards his world heavyweight title unification fight against Joseph Parker on March 31, live on Sky Sports Box Office from Cardiff.

Joshua’s nutritionist, Mark Ellison, told Sky Sports about how to fuel the 6’6”, 18st heavyweight champion.

Breakfast

Fresh fruit which he either eats, or has blended into a smoothie with oats to give him more carbs. Yoghurt and milk. Then four or five eggs (he prefers them poached) with smoked salmon and a bagel or toast. Then a load of veg, like spinach, peppers and onions.

Morning snack

If he’s flat we give him caffeine just to perk him up, before these big sparring rounds. In this camp we haven’t needed to use caffeine. He has an electrolyte drink. After this session he has a recovery shake, with protein and carbohydrates. Then a sandwich, or a salad box, or a pasta pot to squeeze in some extra calories.

Lunch

A typical meal is a couple of chicken breasts with sweet potatoes and a load of veg. Maybe some yoghurt and honey for dessert. Sometimes we sneak in meringues because they’re a light, calorific snack.

Dinner

Because he doesn’t have to train again we give him red meat – a nice fillet steak, but double the amount that you or I might eat. A large portion [of steak] with pasta, wholegrain rice or quinoa. Then a load of veg again. Depending upon what day of the week it is, he might have a dessert – fruit mousse or yoghurt.

Bedtime snack

He has a shake. The chef leaves little treats for him – homemade protein bars, packed with fruit and nuts. We have a slow-release protein shake that helps him sleep.

Watch Anthony Joshua vs Joseph Parker at the Principality Stadium, Cardiff, March 31, live on Sky Sports Box Office.

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(c) Sky News 2018: Joshua vs Parker: Revealing the extraordinary diet that fuels Anthony Joshua