Anthony Joshua Says He Is Not Underestimating Andy Ruiz Jr.

Despite unified heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua coming in as a big favorite against Andy Ruiz Jr., Joshua doesn’t see it that way and sees Ruiz as a bigger challenge than most do.

Weeks before the two are set to meet up on June 1 at Madison Square Garden and even though Joshua boasts an impressive resume, a skill-set that has won him multiple world titles, he doesn’t believe Ruiz will be a pushover come fight night. 

Ruiz certainly has experience fighting in world title fights as he previously challenged for the WBO heavyweight title in 2017 when he faced Joseph Parker and lost by majority decision. Since then, Ruiz has won has last three fights and worked his way back into contention.

“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 and will bring it on June 1,” Joshua said. He’s keen, he’s game and you cannot knock him. He can fight and he’s got hands. He gave a world champion in Joseph Parker lots of problems, and when you look at the fight the Parker gave Whyte when people are saying Whyte can beat Wilder, Fury and me, Andy is championship level for sure, and I have not underestimated him one bit.”

The fight came together weeks ago after Jarrell Miller, Joshua’s original opponent, failed multiple drug tests and was not licensed to box on June 1. Ruiz was picked as Joshua’s opponent after a number of heavyweight contenders stated they would be interested in fighting the unified champion. 

Fightful will have live coverage of the event taking place at Madison Square Garden in New York City, which will be streamed on DAZN in the United States.