Anthony Joshua vs Andy Ruiz Jr. Odds and Pick
By John Dillon in Boxing
Updated: March 30, 2020 at 10:24 am EDTPublished:
- British superstar makes US debut in New York
- Stand-in Ruiz Jr. is wide outsider
- London’s three-belt champion aims for big impact win
Anthony Joshua will make his debut in North America when he defends his world heavyweight titles against Andy Ruiz Jr. at Madison Square Garden in New York on Saturday, June 1, 2019 at 10:00 pm EST.
England’s Joshua is a massive -3300 favorite to successfully defend his WBA, IBF and WBO belts. Replacement opponent Ruiz Jr. is a +1200 outsider.
Anthony Joshua vs Andy Ruiz Jr Odds
| Fighter | Moneyline Odds | Total Rounds |
|---|---|---|
| Anthony Joshua | -3300 | Ov 6½ +100 |
| Andy Ruiz Jr. | +1200 | Un 6½ -120 |
*Odds taken at 05/28/2019
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CkP7VPDEiIc
Ruiz, a Mexican-Californian, was called up to stand in after the originally scheduled opponent Jarrell Miller failed a series of drug tests and was refused a license to box.
Twenty-two Fight Winning Streak
The undefeated Joshua, 29, will be seeking to extend his 22-fight winning streak and to make a big impact in his first professional contest in the USA.
The Londoner will be wary of Ruiz Jr.’s hand speed, at least early on before he has gained his measure as he seeks to land a big knockout punch.
🗣 "Sit us down, face to face!" AJ calls for Wilder talks 👀
@anthonyfjoshua wants to make the fight against @BronzeBomber this year
📺 AJ v Ruiz Jr is LIVE on Sky Sports Box Office this Saturday from 10pm. BUY HERE 👉 https://t.co/8dhOERDJYq pic.twitter.com/i6mYfe3uJu
— Sky Sports Boxing (@SkySportsBoxing) May 28, 2019
He will hope for an emphatic statement win in the wake of the stunning first-round knockout of Dominic Breazeale delivered by rival WBC champion Deontay Wilder in Brooklyn on May 18.
Joshua vs Ruiz Jr. Stats
| 22 | Wins | 32 |
| 0 | Losses | 1 |
| 0 | Draws | 0 |
| 21 | Knockouts | 21 |
| 6ft 6ins | Height | 6ft 2ins |
| 245lbs | Weight (last fight) | 262lbs |
| 82ins | Reach | 74ins |
Ruiz Jr. Brings Fast Hands
There are height and reach advantages for Joshua. But the Londoner will be wary of Ruiz Jr.’s hand speed, at least early on before he has gained his measure as he seeks to land a big knockout punch.
The better value bet is the +100 offered for Joshua to be taken further than six-and-half-rounds, although it is unlikely.
Joshua has scored 21 knockouts while compiling his streak of 22 wins.
Ruiz does not look particularly athletic and has limited power but he is fast.
https://twitter.com/TomatoCanBoxing/status/1132955435382841344
Aged 29, he has a record of 32 wins – with 21 knockouts and one defeat.
Joshua has scored 21 knockouts while compiling his streak of 22 wins.
Rivalry With Wilder and Fury
He is the dominant heavyweight of a newly energized era in which a fierce rivalry – out of the ring at least – has built up with Alabaman Wilder and fellow undefeated Briton Tyson Fury.
Joshua was the gold medalist in the super-heavyweight division at the London Olympics in 2012.
His list of victims contains three fighters currently ranked in the global top 10 by The Ring magazine and by ESPN.
These are his fellow Londoners Dilyan Whyte, the New Zealander Joseph Parker and the Russian Alexander Povetkin.
Meriden Estate to Manhattan. Let the games begin 🇺🇸 @SkySportsBoxing pic.twitter.com/UUmLm18P9q
— Anthony Joshua (@anthonyjoshua) May 27, 2019
Joshua stopped Povetkin in the seventh round in his most recent contest in front of a crowd of 80,000 at Wembley Stadium in London last September.
He is a massively popular phenomenon in his homeland and regularly sells out major soccer and rugby stadia.
War of Words
Despite an endless war of words involving Joshua, Wilder and Fury, it is unlikely there will be any fights involving the trio for at least a year because each has differing broadcasting committments.
Ruiz Jr.’s record of beaten opponents is unremarkable. The one name of note is the veteran Kevin Johnson who is regularly served up as an awkwardly testing opponent to help younger fighters gain experience, although he rarely wins these days.
The sole defeat suffered by Ruiz came when he lost a majority decision in a challenge for the WBO world belt held by Joseph Parker in Auckland in 2016.
Ruiz beat him on a unanimous decision in Fresno, California in July last year.
The sole defeat suffered by Ruiz came when he lost a majority decision in a challenge for the WBO world belt held by Joseph Parker in Auckland in 2016.
Joshua scored a unanimous decision against Parker in Cardiff in March last year – the only time he has been taken the distance.
Pick: Joshua Ov 6½ +100
Never underestimate the right hand. 💣👑 #BombZquad #TilThisDay pic.twitter.com/gRfbLIWnf5
— Deontay Wilder (@BronzeBomber) May 24, 2019
Sports Writer
John Dillon is a leading member of the UK's sporting media, having spent three decades as a national newspaper soccer and sports writer, broadcaster and author. He has covered five World Cups, six European Championships and was Chief Sports Writer at the Daily Express for 14 years.
