Anthony Joshua on unique Rocky Marciano diet to get in top shape for Jermaine Franklin fight
ANTHONY JOSHUA is on the Rocky Marciano dull diet this week – the same boring three meals, three times a day.
The 33-year-old London 2012 Olympic legend has the world of sports science and nutrition at his disposal and usually adores rich and spicy Nigerian foods.
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But in fight week AJ employs a throwback idea credited to the undefeated 1950s superstar, who would resort to a bland menu to make sure his stomach was settled for the Saturday night showdown.
AJ revealed to broadcasters DAZN: “It’s the Rocky Marciano diet.
“What he did was, in the week of the fight, he would have the same meals every day.
“That way your digestive system gets used to it, your stomach is not trying to break down different foods, your body gets used to what you’re eating on a daily basis.
“So it’s the same breakfast, same lunch and same dinner.”
Marciano, a brawling American-Italian who finished 49-0 with six heavyweight world title defences, had a surprisingly scientific approach to his diet.
At just 5ft 10in and rarely much more than 13st, The Brockton Blockbuster gorged on fruits and vegetables, carried around a pot of honey to sweeten his coffee and only chewed his steaks, spitting the meat out after absorbing all the flavour and juices.
AJ – at a vastly different 6ft 6in and 17st – seems equally as dedicated but he has his team constantly around him counting the calories so he can focus on his training, sometimes even forcing him to refuel when he is shattered.
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He explained: “After a hard training session, the last thing I want to do is eat a big meal because it’s tiring.
“But the guys are pushing me to get the fuel back in, ‘come on, eat, eat, eat’.
“So I scoff it down.
“The results in the long run are that my engine can go a lot further.”