Last time, Andy Ruiz Jr was the ultimate underdog heading into his bout with Anthony Joshua for the IBF, IBO, WBO and WBA (super) heavyweight titles.
He shocked the world to emerge the victor and this time, he’s got a lot more support on his side.
If he was feeling the pressure at all, he hasn’t shown it on fight week.
During a face-off with Joshua today in Saudi Arabia ahead of their rematch this Saturday, Ruiz Jr was in fine form.
A heckler from the crowd shouts ‘two-time’ as Ruiz and Joshua went face-to-face, suggesting Joshua will beat him and become world champion for the second time.
However, the Mexican-American didn’t miss a beat and fired back ‘and still’ without taking his eyes off Joshua.
Joshua has appeared focused and in the shape of his life heading into this mammoth end of year showdown, but Ruiz has lost some weight and improved as well.
Will it be a different story this time around? The general consensus is Joshua’s chin in the face of Ruiz’s hooks is a bad mix, but it’s not like Joshua doesn’t have the tools or power to win this one.
It’s a fascinating prospect. The ring walk for the world title clash is set for 8:45pm UK time on Saturday.
