British boxer Joshua is the reigning WBA Super, IBF, WBO and IBO heavyweight champion and he puts his belts on the line against Ruiz Jr.
Joshua last fought in September 2018 and he was meant to face American Jarrell Miller in New York. However, Miller was ruled out after failing drugs tests in April and Ruiz Jr stepped in as the challenger.
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In his 33-fight career Mexican Ruiz Jr has lost only once, that was to Joseph Parker by majority decision in 2016. Undefeated Joshua has a 100% winning record from his 22 fights, with 21 coming by knockout.
Also on the bill in New York is a WBC, IBF, WBA, WBO lightweight title fight between Katie Taylor and Delfine Persoon.
What the fighters had to say
Anthony Joshua
“It’s not about what you look like, it’s a craft, a skill, and what’s in your heart and your head matters in the end. Andy has shown he has all that, he can fight and box, that’s what matters. I think Andy is a great challenger.
“All I’ve heard is ‘AJ will smash him in a round’. From the outside they think that anyone can box, so how is the guy that doesn’t look like a fighter able to box? I always say that if you put ten bodybuilders in the ring, not one of them could fight for a regional title in boxing.
“Ruiz doesn’t weigh as much, he is a lot quicker than Miller and I think he uses punch variety and punch selection a lot better than Miller does. His punch output is a lot lower but he is more accurate with his punches. I have to be better with my defence, a lot tighter and be smarter against someone like Ruiz.”
Andy Ruiz Jr
“A lot of people underestimate me, like I said, the way I look, my appearance, but as soon as they see me throw punches, I’m going to pull out the upset. This is what I have worked for my whole life, I’m here to take what Anthony has. I’m ready to shock the world.
“People will see what I can do. It’s going to be an all action fight, with two big guys punching each other in the face, hard. I’m in this to win it. Everyone else that has fought him has lost before they get in there, I’m not thinking like that, and that’s the difference.
“The most important thing is to win and prove to the fans that I belong at this elite level. I’m not going to chase the KO but I know that it’s there if I execute my combinations. I’m feeling good and ready, AJ hasn’t boxed for nine months and I’m sharper than ever and very motivated.”
Joshua vs. Ruiz Jr: tale of the tape
Anthony Joshua
Nickname: AJ
Age: 29
Nationality: British
Record: 22 fights, 22 wins, 21 KOs, 0 losses
Stance: orthodox
Height: 6ft 6in
Reach: 82in
Andy Ruiz Jr
Nickname: The Destroyer
Age: 29
Nationality: Mexican
Record: 33 fights, 32 wins, 21 KOs, 1 loss
Stance: orthodox
Height: 6ft 2in
Reach: 74in
UK start time, TV and radio details
TV and radio coverage
The New York fight night will be shown live in the UK on Sky Sports Box Office (£19.95). The event broadcast begins at 10pm (BST) on Saturday 1 June for UK viewers.
BBC Radio 5 live will broadcast the title bout with coverage starting at 2am on Sunday.
What time will Joshua vs. Ruiz Jr start for UK viewers?
With time difference between the US and UK the title fight will happen in the early hours of Sunday 2 June for viewers in Britain. Timings will depend on the undercard bouts in New York.
The BBC and the Daily Star report that Joshua vs. Ruiz Jr is expected to begin at around 3am (BST). The Sun and The Daily Telegraph predict a 4am UK start time.
Predictions
Independent
“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.”
Racing Post
“WBC heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder laid down a marker on 18 May with a stunning first-round KO of Dominic Breazeale - it took Joshua seven rounds two years ago. Wilder will be ringside, and AJ will be determined to prove a point of his own on his US debut. Ruiz is not on his level, and he could be overwhelmed. It would be a surprise if he makes it past the middle rounds.”
London Evening Standard
“Joshua would have been eager to put on a devastating show on his US debut regardless, but Wilder’s brutal KO of Breazeale may have upped the ante. The Briton joked before that fight: ‘Breazeale is tough, took me seven rounds. I hope Wilder does it in nine, so I can be like: Hey, I done it earlier.’ He’ll be determined to deliver his own swift finish at MSG. Joshua to win via KO inside three rounds.”
The Daily Telegraph
“Joshua to win via a spectacular knockout before the eighth, to get everyone chattering about a possible fight with Wilder.”
Robbie Davies Jr, European and British super-lightweight champion, speaking to British Boxing News
“For a late replacement, this is the sort of level, I think, outside of the top guys at heavyweight. Ruiz is a good replacement at short notice. He has good boxing ability and will win a lot of hooks against Joshua, which can be unorthodox at times. I just think AJ’s sheer size, athleticism and punching power will be too much for Ruiz, with the fight finishing before six.”
The Stats Zone
“Ruiz is dangerous and has the power to cause Joshua problems but to keep his stock intact for the fans, Joshua needs to avoid any damage and pull off a devastating knockout. That is exactly what we expect at Madison Square Garden. Prediction: Joshua via KO/TKO.”
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