Andy Ruiz Jr: Everyone else has fought scared against Anthony Joshua

Badlefthook.com

Andy Ruiz Jr has heard it all the past few weeks since landing the June 1 date with Anthony Joshua, and Saturday’s challenger for the WBA, IBF, and WBO heavyweight titles says he’ll shock the world.

We realize you’ve heard this already, but it’s what Ruiz (32-1, 21 KO) has to work with this week, and these are slightly different words, so HERE GOES!

“It just gives me more motivation, all the guys talking crap,” said Ruiz. “I don’t know if they are mad because I have got this opportunity, but I don’t have anything bad to say about anyone, I talk in the ring with my fists. I’m so mentally strong and prepared for this fight that I don’t care what people have to say.

“A lot of people underestimate me, like I said, the way I look, my appearance, but as soon as they see me throw punches, I’m going to pull out the upset. This is what I have worked for my whole life, I’m here to take what Anthony has. I’m ready to shock the world.”

A win for the 29-year-old Ruiz would indeed shock the world — not only that, it would topple the current mess at the top of the heavyweight division.

“People will see what I can do. It’s going to be an all-action fight, with two big guys punching each other in the face, hard,” Ruiz said. “I’m in this to win it. Everyone else that has fought him has lost before they get in there, I’m not thinking like that, and that’s the difference.

“The most important thing is to win and prove to the fans that I belong at this elite level. I’m not going to chase the KO but I know that it’s there if I execute my combinations. I’m feeling good and ready, AJ hasn’t boxed for nine months and I’m sharper than ever and very motivated.”

“He’s big, but the advantages I have are in speed, movement and coming forward. Everyone AJ fights is scared. I’m not scared of anyone apart from the man upstairs. There’s a lot of doubters out there but I don’t care, they only give me more motivation and confidence.”