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Agence France-Presse

Anthony Joshua will defend his heavyweight titles against Mexican-American Andy Ruiz Jnr at Madison Square Garden on June 1, the British boxer’s promoter announced on Wednesday.
Ruiz Jnr, who will be bidding to become Mexico’s first heavyweight world champion, replaces Joshua’s scheduled opponent Jarrell Miller, who was barred from fighting after failing drugs tests.
“The chills – I’m really excited for this fight,” said Californian-born Ruiz, 29, in a statement released by Matchroom Boxing.

He cited Mexican great Julio Cesar Chavez, a world champion in several lighter classes, and former heavyweight world champions Mike Tyson, Evander Holyfield and Lennox Lewis.
“This is my chance to make history, I want to be one of those greats like Chavez, Tyson, Holyfield, Lennox Lewis. I want to be in that category.”
“I’m going to bring the titles back to Mexico. I’m going to be able to change my whole family’s lives, my life and all my kids.”

Ruiz has won 32 of his 33 professional bouts, with his only defeat coming in a world title challenge against New Zealand’s Joseph Parker.
Joshua, 29, who has won all of his 22 fights, will be fighting in the United States for the first time and defending his WBA, IBF, WBO belts.
“Ruiz is a different kind of challenge but one I embrace,” said Joshua.
“We have worked in the boxing gym week on week and whomever is put in front of me at Madison Square Garden on June 1 will be dispatched in style. The rent will be collected.”


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Boxing

Joshua to defend heavyweight titles against Ruiz Jnr in New York

Andy Ruiz Jnr is hit by a hard right by Alexander Dimitrenko during their heavyweight fight in Carson, California last month. Photo: AFP

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 19: Andy Ruiz Jr. poses on the scale during his official weigh-in ahead of his heavyweight bout against Alexander Dimitrenko at Sheraton Gateway Hotel on April 19, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. Yong Teck Lim/Getty Images/AFP == FOR NEWSPAPERS, INTERNET, TELCOS & TELEVISION USE ONLY ==

British boxer Anthony Joshua laughs, prior to a media session at the English institute of Sport, in Sheffield, England, Wednesday May 1, 2019. Andy Ruiz Jr. will look to become Mexico’s first heavyweight champion after replacing Jarrell Miller as the opponent for unbeaten WBA, IBF and WBO titleholder Anthony Joshua. (Dave Thompson/PA via AP)

Anthony Joshua calls out Deontay Wilder after breezing past Joseph Parker to unify titles in Cardiff

Anthony Joshua celebrates after unifying the heavyweight division with victory over Joseph Parker. Photo: Reuters

epa06639747 British boxer Anthony Joshua celebrates after beating New Zealand boxer Joseph Parker in their unifying Heavyweight Championship boxing title bout at Principality Stadium, Wales, Britain, 31 March 2018. The winner of the fight will hold the IBF, WBO, IBO and WBO heavyweight boxing titles. EPA-EFE/GEOFF CADDICK

epa06639758 British boxer Anthony Joshua (R) fights against New Zealand boxer Joseph Parker (L) during their unifying Heavyweight Championship boxing title bout at Principality Stadium, Wales, Britain, 31 March 2018. The winner of the fight will hold the IBF, WBO, IBO and WBO heavyweight boxing titles. EPA-EFE/GEOFF CADDICK

Anthony Joshua (R) of Great Britain measures Joseph Parker (L) of New Zealand in the 12th and final round of their heavyweight unification title bout at Principality Stadium in Cardiff, March 31, 2018. Anthony Joshua was taken the distance for the first time in his professional career before winning a unanimous points decision in his world heavyweight title unification fight with Joseph Parker. / AFP PHOTO / Oli SCARFF

Anthony Joshua (BACK) of Great Britain goes on the offensive against Joseph Parker of New Zealand in the 12th and final round of their heavyweight unification title bout at Principality Stadium in Cardiff, March 31, 2018. Anthony Joshua was taken the distance for the first time in his professional career before winning a unanimous points decision in his world heavyweight title unification fight with Joseph Parker. / AFP PHOTO / Oli SCARFF

Boxing - Anthony Joshua vs Joseph Parker - World Heavyweight Title Unification Fight - Principality Stadium, Cardiff, Britain - March 31, 2018 Anthony Joshua in action with Joseph Parker Action Images via Reuters/Andrew Couldridge TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY

Anthony Joshua stops Alexander Povetkin in seventh round to retain his heavyweight titles

Anthony Joshua beat Alexander Povetkin to retain his WBA, IBF, WBO and IBO World heavyweight titles. Photo: Reuters

Russian boxer Alexander Povetkin goes down after taking a series of punches from British boxer Anthony Joshua, right, in their WBA, IBF, WBO and IBO heavyweight titles fight at Wembley Stadium in London, Saturday, Sept. 22, 2018. Joshua won in the seventh round on a technical knockout. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham)

Referee Steve Gray watches closely seconds before stopping the fight, as Russian boxer Alexander Povetkin, left, receives a series of punches by British boxer Anthony Joshua, right, in their WBA, IBF, WBO and IBO heavyweight titles fight at Wembley Stadium in London, Saturday, Sept. 22, 2018. Joshua won the fight in the seventh round on a technical knockout. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham)

Boxing - Anthony Joshua v Alexander Povetkin - WBA Super, IBF, WBO & IBO World Heavyweight Titles - Wembley Stadium, London, Britain - September 22, 2018 Anthony Joshua celebrates his win against Alexander Povetkin Action Images via Reuters/Andrew Couldridge

Boxing - Anthony Joshua v Alexander Povetkin - WBA Super, IBF, WBO & IBO World Heavyweight Titles - Wembley Stadium, London, Britain - September 22, 2018 Anthony Joshua in action against Alexander Povetkin Action Images via Reuters/Andrew Couldridge TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY

Anthony Joshua tells heavyweight rival Deontay Wilder to ‘stop the fantasy’ in super fight negotiations

Anthony Joshua has urged his heavyweight rival Deontay Wilder to get serious about negotiations for a potential super fight. Photo: Reuters

Boxing - Anthony Joshua Media Session - Sheffield, Britain - March 21, 2018 Anthony Joshua during the media session Action Images via Reuters/Andrew Couldridge

TOPSHOT - WBC heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder celebrates knocking down undefeated contender Luis “King Kong” Ortiz (R) during their 12-round WBC Heavyweight Championship fight at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York March 3, 2018. / AFP PHOTO / TIMOTHY A. CLARY

TOPSHOT - Heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder of the US fights contender Luis Ortiz of Cuba during their WBC heavyweight title fight in New York on March 3, 2018. / AFP PHOTO / Timothy A. CLARY

Sport


Mexican-American wants to make history and join greats like Chavez, Tyson, Holyfield and Lennox Lewis with victory against unbeaten Briton



Joshua to defend heavyweight titles against Ruiz Jnr in New York

.css-1mniedq{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;} Mexican-American wants to make history and join greats like Chavez, Tyson, Holyfield and Lennox Lewis with victory against unbeaten Briton

Mexican-American wants to make history and join greats like Chavez, Tyson, Holyfield and Lennox Lewis with victory against unbeaten Briton