Daniel Dubois tipped the scales at a career-high 17st 10lbs for the first defence of his IBF world heavyweight title against Anthony Joshua at Wembley on Saturday.

Dubois registered 3lbs heavier than for his most recent victory, an eighth-round stoppage on cuts of Croatian Filip Hrgovic in June, while Joshua tipped the scales 4lbs heavier at 18st.

The weigh-in was overseen by ring announcer Michael Buffer with a sizeable crowd in attendance at London’s Trafalgar Square, although there were no fireworks from the British rivals.

β€œIt’s time to get into the ring and fight. Lets go. I’ve been working hard. A lot of work and training has gone into this and I’m ready to go. A win, by any means necessary,” Dubois said.

Joshua, who also weighed 18st for his brutal demolition of Francis Ngannou in March, promised to put on a show for the 96,000 sell-out crowd.

β€œI look at myself as a gladiator. I’m pumped and ready to perform for the people. I’m not smelling any roses yet, just blood. Fresh blood,” he said.

Joshua v Dubois – Tale of the Tape:

34 Age 27

31 Fights 23

28 Wins 21

25 KOs 20

0 Draws 0

3 Losses 2

162 Rounds boxed 90

6ft 6in Height 6ft 5in

Orthodox Stance Orthodox

82in Reach 78in

18 stones 0lbs Weight 17 stones 10 lbs