Former unified super featherweight world champion Andy Ruiz Jr. criticized the latest opposition from another former holder of the title, Anthony Joshua.
"Joshua doesn't fight really tough fighters. He knocks everybody out, that's the way it should be. He's been feared by everybody. When you go out for a big fight, you have to be fearless. You can't be afraid, even if your opponent is bigger or more athletic. If you believe in yourself, it will take you much farther than just wanting a fee. You have to believe in yourself," Ruiz said in an interview with YouTube channel iFL TV.
It should be recalled that after two consecutive defeats to Oleksandr Usyk, Joshua scored consecutive victories over Jermaine Franklin, Robert Helenius, Otto Wallin and Francis Ngannou.
Eddie Hearn, the promoter for Matchroom Boxing, recently outlined the future options for Anthony Joshua. At a press event yesterday, Hearn discussed potential matchups and the strategic decisions shaping Joshua's career path. He acknowledged challenges, including timing conflicts influenced by other major fights.
Anthony Joshua has disclosed plans for his upcoming fight, scheduling it between September 21-22 at London's Wembley Stadium. This announcement was made as Joshua sets his sights on regaining a world title after a series of victories, including significant wins over Jermaine Franklin, Robert Helenius, Otto Wallin, and Francis Ngannou.
Eddie Hearn, the promoter of former world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua, has said that his charge could fight Deontay Wilder if the latter gets past Zhang Zhilei.
"There are two things: the potential vacating of the IBF title and the temptation to fight Wilder. If Deontay Wilder gets past Zhang Zhilei, and I believe he will, then everyone will start talking about the Joshua-Wilder fight again. It's definitely a fight that His Majesty likes. AJ is open to this fight. Of course he wants to win the world title again, he would love to fight the winner of the Fury - Usik fight.
Nothing is decided at this point because of all these upcoming fights. We'll see how the card will lie on May 18 and June 1," said Hearn in an interview with YouTube channel Boxing Social.
Recall that the Wilder vs. Zhilei fight will take place on June 1 as part of the "5 on 5" tournament from the promotional companies Matchroom Boxing and Queensberry Promotions.
Former WBA, WBO and IBF heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua has spoken out about the possibility of a fight with current holder of these belts Oleksandr Usyk.
"I would love to fight Usik, but I don't think he's number one on the fans' wish list. You know, I'll fight anyone, and at the same time the promoters want me to fight certain people. And like I said, the fighters they want me to fight would be from the 5-on-5 card that's on June 1, and then they're considering a fight with Tyson Fury.
I'd like to fight Usik, I'd like to fight Ruiz, but I think the fans want me to face Fury," Boxing Social quoted Josh as saying.