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Anthony Joshua vs Andy Ruiz Jr: Briton ready to 'demolish' opponent in New York

The IBF, WBA and WBO heavyweight champion will put his belts on the line against the Mexican on 1 June

Samuel Lovett
Wednesday 08 May 2019 11:24 BST
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Anthony Joshua says he will demolish Andy Ruiz Jr when the pair meet in the ring next month.

The IBF, WBA and WBO heavyweight champion will put his belts on the line against the Mexican at New York’s Madison Square Garden on 1 June.

Ruiz, who was named as a replacement for Jarrell Miller after the American failed two drugs tests, has only lost once in his career, via a controversial points decision, against Joseph Parker in New Zealand. He has since notched up three wins and is seen to be a better technical fighter than Miller.

Joshua is currently in Miami adding the final touches to his fight preparations. Speaking after touching down in the city, the Briton admitted he hasn’t seen any notable weakness in Ruiz but would demolish him nonetheless.

“I’m training hard, and I want to demolish Andy Ruiz in good fashion and then I look forward to more competitive fights,” he said.

“Ruiz has never been hurt, he’s a strong guy. I’ve been hurt and people have seen me put down.

“Dillian Whyte caught me with a sweet left hook, so they have seen my weaknesses, and I haven’t really seen a weakness in Andy Ruiz.

“He’s going to try and exploit my weaknesses, and I’m going to try and exploit his.

“The best man will win and raise their hand at the end of the night and we will shake hands and go about our business.”

He added: “I’m in Miami, it’s going to be hard to stay focused but I’m going to stay focused.

“I just got here and my holiday got started, so I’m going to get my shorts on. I’m joking! I am going to stay focused, that’s the main thing.

“We could have trained in New York, but the time difference is the same and it’s a bit warmer, a bit more airy, so my coach said come here and train.”

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