Andy Ruiz Jr confirmed as Anthony Joshua’s new opponent for US debut at Madison Square Garden

Andy Ruiz Jr is the man facing Anthony Joshua on June 1 after replacing Jarrell Miller who failed three VADA drug tests. 

The Californian based Mexican boasts a good record (32-0-1) with his only defeat coming in a razor thin majority decision points loss to Joseph Parker in December 2016. The 29-year-old is fit and ready to step in following a destructive performance against Alexander Dimitrenko earlier this month, stopping him in five rounds.

With Jarrell “Big Baby” Miller (23-1-0) ruled out of the contest, it left Joshua and his promoter Eddie Hearn limited time to look for a new opponent with the likes of Luis Ortiz, Michael Hunter and Manuel Charr all being touted as potential replacements.

Andy Ruiz only loss came in a controversial points decision to Joseph Parker – Image: Newshub

With himself now confirmed as the man who will be in the opposite corner to Joshua on the 1st of June, Andy Ruiz Jr believes they have made a mistake selecting him and has vowed to derail Anthony Joshua’s ambition of becoming the undisputed champion:

“This is my chance to make history. A lot of people underestimated me, and I’m used to that. My whole life people underrated me so I’m just going in there to take all. I’m not going in there scared and I’m not going in there nervous, I’m going to go in there mad and to take what’s mine.

I think with my style, my speed, my movement, I don’t think he’s fought anybody like me. It’s going to be a whole different ball game.When I do pull out this win, everything is going to change. I’m going to bring the titles back to Mexico, it’s going to mean everything. I’m going to be able to change my whole family’s lives; my life and all my kids.”

Joshua admits he will now have to adapt preparations for next months fight. With Ruiz Jr renowned for his quick hand speed and applied fighting pressure, the champion acknowledges a different set of skills will be brought to the ring by the Mexican:

“Ruiz Jr is a different kind of challenge but one I embrace. We have worked in the boxing gym week on week and whoever is put in front of me at Madison Square Garden on June 1 will be dispatched in style. The rent will be collected.”

The British star will defend his WBA ‘Super’, IBF and WBO Heavyweight world title belts against Andy Ruiz Jr at Madison Square Garden in New York.