Anthony Joshua v Andy Ruiz Jr: AJ to cruise to win in USA debut?
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It’s not the fightAnthony Joshua and his camp wanted, but Saturday night’s bout with Andy Ruiz Jrstill has plenty riding on it.
For one thing, it’s AJ’s first fight in the USA. And he’llbe out to win the public over as he defends his WBA (Super), IBF, WBO and IBOheavyweight titles.
This was supposed to be a showdown with Jarrell Miller, butthe American was found to have tested positive for a banned substance six weeksago, with Ruiz Jr the best-placed opponent to fill the void.
Anthony Joshua fightodds
AJ is looking to go 23-0 in New York this weekend. He was 1/8 to beat Miller before that fight got canned, and he’s now a sound 1/25 to see off Ruiz Jr.
The Destroyer is no mug with a 32-1 record, but he’s giving away four inches in height to AJ and eight in reach. He’s the 10/1 outsider.
Ruiz Jr did give a solid account of himself against Joseph Parker in 2016, taking the Kiwi the full 12 rounds before losing out to a majority decision, but Joshua comfortably beat Parker in Cardiff last year.
Ruiz Jr has been talking the talk, and he’s hoping to takeadvantage of a pressure-free underdog role, but Joshua is by far the toughestfighter he’s ever faced in the ring.
And the AJ camp will want to make a good show of themselvesStateside, as a potential bout with Deontay Wilder continues to prove elusive.
It’s the clash everyone wants to see, but Wilder’s deal tofight Luis Ortiz this Autumn has again put a showdown with AJ on hold.
Anthony Joshua roundodds
Our traders have AJ at 4/1 to win on points, with 9s apiece on the Watford hitman sending Ruiz to the canvas early doors in rounds one or two.
A repeat of AJ’s seventh-round win over Alexander Povetkin is also 9/1, while there’s 1/5 about a Joshua win via KO, TKO or DQ.
Fight info:
Where: Madison Square Garden, New York City
When: Expected start 3:00am Sunday, 2nd June
How can I watch: Pay per view via Sky Sports Box Office
All odds and markets correct as ofdate of publication
