By Daily Sports on May 3, 2019
World heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua Expects ‘Technical’ Ruiz Bout Joshua says his US debut against Andy Ruiz Jr will be “more of a boxing match” than it would have been against original opponent Jarrell Miller.
Ruiz, 29, will fight on 1 June instead of American Miller, who was replaced because of failed drug tests.
Britain’s Joshua has been installed as a 1-25 favourite with bookmakers.
“It is about selecting punches and breaking him down; Miller would have been more of a slug-fest,” Joshua said.
Joshua, the IBF, WBO and WBA world champion, has not fought since his impressive stoppage win over Alexander Povetkin in September.
He was well into training camp when news of Miller’s failed drug tests emerged, prompting a search for a suitable opponent to face at Madison Square Garden in New York.
In his only world-title shot and defeat to date, Ruiz was beaten on points by New Zealand’s Joseph Parker, who later lost his WBO title to Joshua.
“Ruiz was game, ready, only just fought and lost to Parker in a close fight,” Joshua said.
“It was about getting someone signed on the dotted line and make sure the date goes ahead. It is my time to announce myself in New York.”
Ruiz, a Mexican-American based in California, is bidding to become Mexico’s first heavyweight world champion.
He claims 29-year-old Joshua “fights like a big robot” and has vowed to “make history” when they meet.
“Ruiz and Miller are very different,” Joshua said. “Ruiz is more selective with his punches, he punches with a bit more intent.
“I feel Miller would walk you down with the intent to tire you out and do things you’re not naturally good at.
“Ruiz will be more of a technical boxing match. If I can’t take his punch power, or he can’t take mine, then it will be the first who lands, because we punch with intent.” (BBC)
•Photo shows Anthony Joshua
Source Daily Sports
Posted May 3, 2019
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