Anthony Joshua at lightest weight since 2014 for unification title fight with Joseph Parker

This is the lightest Anthony Joshua has been since 2014 (Getty)

Anthony Joshua has weighed in at 17st 4lbs for his world heavyweight unification title fight with Joseph Parker –at his lightest since stopping Michael Sprott in a solitary round four years ago.

Joshua is 12 pounds lighter than for his most recent fight against Carlos Takam in October, but he will still be 4lbs heavier than WBO champion Parker, who tipped the scales at 16st 12 lbs.

It’s the lightest Parker has been since he stopped Solomon Haumono in July 2016, and nine pounds less than his most recent fight, a controversial split decision victory over the British heavyweight Hughie Fury.

Joshua’s weight has been a topic of hot discussion ever since his win over Takam, when he weighed in at a career high 18st 2lbs.

And Joshua said he expects to be “sharper and quicker” now that he has trimmed down.

“To be honest you know when you're carrying a bit extra weight, I've been running well and training well - losing that little bit of weight has made things easier,” he said on stage at the Motorpoint Arena.

“I'll be a little bit sharper and able to react a little bit quicker.”

Four world titles will be on the line when the two men meet (Getty)

Joshua also acknowledged that his opponent – who had also made a concerted effort to slim down ahead of this contest – looked “really good”.

“He looked really good, that's what I expect form a champion, when they come over here come well prepared, you're in for a good, good fight,” he added.

“So it will be a good fight and will be a real emotional time. We're creating history and there is lot of talk about what's coming next. Provided I secure the win, we then go on to make history in late 2018.”