From urine to cow’s blood - boxing's strangest diets

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  • British boxer Amir Khan has been talking this week about the supersize diet that he has been observing in order to move up two weight classes to fight Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez in Las Vegas.

    It is unusual in such a strict weight-making sport, but some of his changes seem quite tame to a few of the more drastic ones implemented in boxing history.

    JUAN MANUEL MARQUEZ – TAKING THE P?

    This one is not for the faint hearted as Mexican legend Juan Manuel Marquez, the multi-weight world champion, revealed he went to extraordinary lengths to preserve his strength – by drinking his own URINE. He said: “I drink my own urine because that’s where a lot of the proteins and vitamins are. Why not drink them again instead of wasting them?”

    DAVID HAYE – VEGAN

    The Hayemaker made the decision to cut out all animal products after watching a video on the meat industry which put him off for life. The former world heavyweight champion now insists he gets enough protein from plant-based food and necks all sorts of fresh juices to ensure his vitamin levels are always high.

    SUGAR RAY ROBINSON – COW’S BLOOD

    Before he tangled with Jake La Motta for the fourth time, legend has it that the great Sugar Ray Robinson drank a pint of cow’s blood. And he did it right in front of the Raging Bull, when they sat down for a media luncheon a few days before the fight. It is said he downed it in one go – and went on to win a split decision.

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