Andy Ruiz Jr has told Anthony Joshua he will be ‘lighter, faster and more powerful’ when they meet in the ring again in December.
The Mexican pulled off one of the biggest upsets in boxing history last June when he knocked Joshua out at Madison Square Garden to claim the WBO, IBF and WBA (Super) titles.
Joshua is seeking revenge over Ruiz Jr, but the defending champion is confident his rival will underestimate him again.
‘I will arrive in better condition…. lighter, faster and more powerful,’ Ruiz told ESPN Deportes.
‘They will believe that in December they will win.
‘People will always talk like this, but I have faith that we’re going to win and shut up more mouths.
‘I have a lot of respect for Anthony, outside the ring he is a very good man.
‘But inside [the ring] there are no friends, there is no respect or anything. It will not be an easy fight.
‘I think it will be a hard fight, but nothing is easy in life, so we are training very hard. We will be prepared for whatever he brings.’
Ruiz Jr became an instant star when he knocked out Joshua and was approached by Mexico to represent them at the 2020 Olympics.
Professional fighters are permitted to compete in the upcoming Games, but after a massive backlash to the prospect, Ruiz Jr has decided against representing his country at the Olympics.
He said: ‘It’s not for me, professional boxing is where I am.
‘It’s better for me to give the opportunity to other kids who have that dream of going to the Olympic Games.’
