Challenger Andy Ruiz Jr says he’s ready to prove doubters wrong when stepping into the ring against Anthony Joshua for a heavyweight world title fight at the Madison Square Garden in New York.
Ruiz was drafted in as an immediate replacement for Jarell Miller who was due to face Joshua for the June 1 fight, but the latter failed drug test to earn him disqualification and a ban.
However, Ruiz who can boasts of 32 wins, with just the solitary points defeat in a WBO title fight with Joseph Parker, believes he can write his own history when he faces the WBA ‘super’ IBF and WBO belts holder at Madison Square Garden on June
“He’s a champion of the world,” Ruiz Jr said. “There’s nothing that I can say bad about him, besides that he’s big but you know what, I’m big too and it doesn’t really [matter] how big you are in this game. I’m a big fighter, a combination fighter, so I’m here to win.
“A lot of people underestimate me as I said, the way that I look, my appearance, but as soon as they see me throw punches.”
“I’m going to pull out the upset and June 1 tune in, two big heavyweights bashing their face up, and that’s the main thing.”
Joshua disclosed that the Mexican stands between him and his future plan, Ruiz, 29, added that he’s ready to take his second title opportunity after he failed to beat Joseph Parker who lost the eventual title to Joshua.
“It means a lot. This is my opportunity, my second chance to make history, become the first Mexican heavyweight champion,” said Ruiz Jr.
“I’ve been training really hard, we haven’t stopped training. The main thing is to stay focused and stick to the game plan and get that win on June 1.
“It’s kind of overwhelming, everything that happened really fast, but I’m still excited, really happy, really blessed.