Anthony Joshua to Face Andy Ruiz Today in New York

• Anthony Joshua to Face Andy Ruiz Today in New York

British-Nigerian unified heavyweight champion of the world, Anthony Joshua, today June 1, 2019, will face former title challenger, Andy Ruiz Jr, in the iconic Madison Square Garden (MSG), New York, USA.

Anthony Joshua will put all his four belts on the line as he looks to break into the American market for the first time after years of selling out 80,000 capacity stadium in the United Kingdom.

Anthony Joshua, who weighed 247.81lbs (17st 91lbs 13oz) on Friday, has won all his 22 previous fights in the UK with 95 percent knockout ratio in 84 rounds.

He holds WBA, WBO, IBF, and IBO belts, all which will be up for grabs today in New York City.

Joshua, 29, moved his training camp to Miami to prepare in the same time zone with New York and has to work with a new psychologist ahead of the fight.

He said: “Getting used to the time zone was most important and I feel fresh. No challenge is easy, no matter what the odds say. Andy is going to come in here and give me a real good fight and cause problems.”

Eddie Hearn, Anthony Joshua’s promoter, claimed 8,000 British fans will travel to MSG to support the heavyweight champion.

However, about 4,000 British fans were present at Friday’s weigh-in in New York singing the popular, An an thony Joshuaaaa song and turned it up when Andy Ruiz Jr walked up to the stage with, ‘who are ya?’ and ‘you fat b****rd’.

Anthony Joshua, who was obviously overwhelmed by the support, told Sky: “I just wanna say thank you for coming out and supporting.

“It’s all about getting in the ring and doing the job, so I’m looking forward to it.”

Ruiz born in the US to Mexican parents, weighed 268lbs, is looking to become the very first Mexico’s world heavyweight champion.

Measuring just 6ft 2in with fast hand speed than Anthony Joshua, Andy Ruiz Jr has had 33 fights with 32 wins and one controversial loss to Joseph Parker, the only man whom Anthony Joshua went the distance with.

Ruiz said: “The movement the speed, the pressure, all that will come together. He has never fought someone who pressures him. I don’t know how he fights going backwards but we have to stick to the plan.”

Freddi Roach, Hall of Fame trainer, warned Anthony Joshua not to take Ruiz lightly as he can punch and really fast.

“I trained Ruiz for seven years. He doesn’t look the part but don’t underestimate him as he can punch, has good hands and is fast. If you take him lightly he will upset you,” Roach stated.

Andy Ruiz Jr was a late replacement for Big Baby Miller that tested positive to three different banned substances in April.