Anthony Joshua Steps Up ‘Torture’ Training Ahead of Fury Fight

Wellington Jopelo

Two-time heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua has intensified his preparations for his long-awaited showdown with Tyson Fury by undergoing an unusual and physically demanding stretching session in Dubai.

Joshua, 36, shared a video of himself using a Pravilo machine at his training gym, with the equipment stretching his arms and legs into a wide position before rotating parts of his body. The extreme-looking workout has been described by British media as “torture” training because of the positions involved.

In the video, Joshua appeared strapped to the machine while his limbs and torso were gradually stretched. At one point, the former heavyweight champion was suspended by his arms and legs as part of the conditioning exercise.

Joshua captioned the video on Instagram, “When the instructor says, relax and breathe,” highlighting the intensity of the session.

The Pravilo machine is associated with stretching and conditioning practices that trace their origins to Slavic and Russian training traditions. The equipment is designed to improve flexibility, mobility and the movement of the joints.

The session comes as Joshua prepares for his expected meeting with Fury, with the long-awaited all-British heavyweight contest now scheduled for December 11 at Cardiff’s Principality Stadium.

The proposed fight has gone through several changes over its venue and date. New York had previously been considered, but the contest is now set for Cardiff after arrangements surrounding the location were changed.

Joshua and Fury have both remained active ahead of the proposed bout. Fury recently stopped Mariusz Wach in the seventh round in Pattaya, Thailand, while Joshua recorded a second-round stoppage of Kristian Prenga in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, after being knocked down twice in the opening round.

Joshua has also reunited with trainer Ben Davison as he prepares for Fury. Davison previously worked with both fighters at different stages of their careers and knows Fury’s style from his time in the former champion’s camp.

Joshua has previously fought twice in Cardiff, defeating Carlos Takam in 2017 and Joseph Parker in 2018. His return to the Welsh capital for the Fury bout would therefore bring him back to a venue where he has already recorded major victories.

The December contest is expected to attract significant global attention as Joshua and Fury finally prepare to meet after years of speculation surrounding a possible fight between the two British heavyweights.

For now, Joshua’s training camp is focused on conditioning, flexibility and maintaining his physical readiness as the countdown to the Cardiff showdown continues.

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