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Anthony Joshua will make his US debut tonight as he travels to New York City to face Mexican contender Andy Ruiz Jr.
The British champion was originally set to fight at Wembley Stadium on 13 April but, after failing to make a deal with the likes of Dillian Whyte and Deontay Wilder, looked to venture stateside with a bout against Jarrell Miller.
Miller, however, failed numerous drugs tests and was not allowed to fight – with Ruiz stepping in at late notice.
The event at Madison Square Garden also features an impressive undercard, with the likes of Katie Taylor, Callum Smith and Joshua Buatsi all set to feature.
Here’s everything you need to know about Joshua vs Ruiz.
February top 10 pound-for-pound boxers in the world
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When and where is the fight?
If you’re in the UK, it’s in the early hours of Sunday, 2nd June and it takes place at the Mecca of boxing: Madison Square Garden in New York City.
What time will the ring walks be?
The main event ring walks will likely take place around the 4am mark – but as with anything in boxing, it’s subject to change.
Anthony Joshua puts his unbeaten record on the line (PA)
What’s at stake?
Joshua’s IBF, WBA (Super), WBO and IBO world heavyweight titles are on the line in this one. Plenty for Ruiz to gain, nothing for him to lose. It’s also Joshua’s US debut so a breakthrough on the other side of the pond could see him turn into a global superstar.
What are their records?
Joshua: 22 fights, 22 wins, 21 KOs.
Ruiz: 33 fights, 32 wins (21 KOs) and one defeat to Joseph Parker.
What TV channel will it be on?
In the UK it will be on Sky Sports Box Office and on DAZN if you’re elsewhere.
Andy Ruiz Jr stepped in at late notice (Getty)
Are tickets still available?
They are indeed, starting from a hefty $171 and going all the way up to $5,000(!) if you’ve got some cash to splash. You can get them right here.
What is the full fight schedule?
Souleymane Cissoko vs Wladimir Hernandez
Chris Algieri vs Tommy Coyle
Joshua Buatsi vs Marc Antonio Periban
Josh Kelly vs Ray Robinson
Katie Taylor vs Delfine Persoon
Callum Smith vs Hassan N'Dam
Anthony Joshua vs Andy Ruiz
Katie Taylor looks to become undisputed champion in the women’s lightweight division (Getty)
Anthony Joshua talks about Miller's failed drugs test
He failed not one, not two, but three drugs tests (EPO, GW1516 and EPO) and was therefore not allowed to compete by the New York State Athletic Commission.
Prediction
Don’t underestimate Ruiz just because of how he looks. He is a very good fighter with blistering hand speed and if he can put some combinations together, could trouble Joshua. That said, it’s yet to be seen if he can take the sort of power that the Brit possesses. Joshua to win inside six.
Odds
Joshua: 1/25
Ruiz: 10/1
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