WBA, IBF AND WBO World Heavyweight Champion Anthony Joshua is currently in New York City to promote his United States debut.
On June 1 at Madison Square Garden in New York, Joshua will defend his belts against late replacement Andy Ruiz.
Joshua was initially scheduled to face Jarrell Miller, who was pulled from the fight after testing positive for performance enhancing drugs.
Joshua is not bothered by the switch in opponents.
“I don’t want to kick the man while he’s down. Hopefully [Miller] can turn this negative into a positive. Andy Ruiz is a strong, Mexican fighter. You know how the Mexicans do, they come to fight, they are filled with heart. If they don’t know him now, they will get to know him if they don’t know him already,” Joshua told TMZ Sports.
“He’s fighting to become the heavyweight champion of the world. Even if that was you, and you had the opportunity, I’m sure that you would be training and push yourself. And him being a fighter and having this opportunity, I’m sure that he knows what’s at stake. He’s gonna come game.”
Because of his failed drug tests, Miller received a six month ban by the WBA.
Joshua is a bit on the fence, with respect to the critics who want to see Miller banned for life.
“I’m soft in that sense, because I know what a second chance in life gave me. I made my own mistakes. It didn’t have anything to do with drugs and cheating, but in life. I would like to see Miller have a second chance in life, but if he’s going to carry on in the same way and he didn’t truly learn, then the powers that be up above, they will not give him that second chance in life,” Joshua said.
Beyond Ruiz, Joshua is still gunning for a unification with WBC champion Deontay Wilder.
“I want Wilder, he’s got that belt. I got the four belts – the WBA, the WBO, IBO and IBF – I just need the WBC. If he’s ready and wants to prove he’s the best in the world, [Wilder] can come see me,” Joshua says.
–boxingscene
