Anthony Joshua is not just the unified heavyweight champion of the world. Indeed, he is a proud national brand from Great Britain. No better evidence of that can be found than from the fact that over 10,000 fans will be traveling across the pond from Great Britain to New York for his unification title bout on June 1 against Andy Ruiz Jr. Not only is Joshua the huge favorite for this DAZN showdown but he is also facing a challenger that is, in essence, a third choice as the opponent.
Boxing Odds at BookMaker.eu
Anthony Joshua -2775
Andy Ruiz Jr. +1725
Over/under rounds - Check Back Later
DAZN will present the world unification heavyweight title bout between Anthony Joshua (22-0, 21 knockouts) and Andy Ruiz Jr. (32-1-0, 21 knockouts) from Madison Square Garden in New York on June 1, 2019. This championship fight is scheduled for 12 rounds.
Fight Preview
This world unification heavyweight championship fight was originally supposed to be between Anthony Joshua and Dillan Whyte. But haggling over what Whyte would be paid dragged on far too long and a final agreement could not be reached.
Second was the possibility of Jarrel Miller, also set for June 1 at Madison Square Garden. Excitement was so high that a record 17,000 tickets were sold with 10,000 of those being bought in Great Britain. But Miller tested positive for a banned substance and was scratched.
That opened up the opportunity for Andy Ruiz Jr. and his camp wasted no time contacting Joshua’s reps for a date. Ruiz filled the void as a respectable third round choice and will get $7 million for doing so.
Anthony Joshua has been training like never before in preparation for this bout against Andy Ruiz Jr. After an extensive 12-week training program Joshua built up a considerable increase in leg muscle.
“As I’m getting older, training is more about quality,” said Joshua. “I train ten times a week, with two sessions a day for five days. Weekends are more focused on stretching and recovery. You should train your mind as much as your body. Brain training games, mental tests, really help. Because the sharper you are in your head, the sharper you are in your body.”
In conjunction with his training, Joshua keeps things simple with a spartan life. He resides in a two-bedroom apartment during training. Friends and family often ask him why he doesn’t move. His retort is beautifully simple. He stays there “because it works.”
Joshua has also had to downplay expectations that he will destroy Ruiz Jr, because the challenger is considered fat and out of shape for the fight due to the late notice and scheduling agreement.
Joshua took defense for his challenger and said that “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. Andy is a great challenger and will bring it on June 1. I always say that if you put ten bodybuilders in the ring, not one of them could fight for a regional title in boxing.”
Joshua has been generous in talking up Ruiz. “He can fight and he’s got hands,” said the champ. “He gave world champion in Joseph Parker lots of problems. And is championship level for sure, and I have not underestimated him one bit.”
Boxing Betting Tips
Despite the kind words that also serve his own self-interests Joshua can basically decide when to end this fight. Ruiz will get a nice pay day as the tomato can.
Boxing Odds Pick: Anthony Joshua
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With the boxing odds at BookMaker Sportsbook, you can bet on boxing all year, from smaller cards to pay-per-view events. Access live betting lines from your mobile device at BookMaker Sportsbook. Anthony Joshua vs. Andy Ruiz Jr. takes place on June 1 at Madison Square Garden. The fight can be seen on DAZN.