Andy Ruiz Jr has highlighted the single tool he believes could give Jake Paul a real opportunity to hurt Anthony Joshua when they face off in Miami on December 19.
Paul steps into the eight-round heavyweight bout as a major underdog, having built most of his résumé against MMA fighters and smaller competitors. Joshua, meanwhile, has consistently competed against top-tier heavyweights, including Ruiz Jr himself the man responsible for one of boxing’s biggest upsets.
During their first clash at Madison Square Garden in 2019, Ruiz Jr shocked the sport by dropping Joshua four times and finishing him in the seventh round to claim the unified heavyweight titles. Although Joshua convincingly won the rematch, Ruiz Jr’s stunning triumph remains one of the most memorable shocks in heavyweight history.
As Paul prepares for the toughest test of his career, Ruiz Jr has now shared his view on the punch he believes could pose problems for Joshua.
“Just get him with the right hand,” Ruiz Jr told TMZ. “That’s what Jake Paul is looking for – the right hand – and if he lands, he can do good damage. A lot of people underestimate Jake Paul, but in reality, he’s a good fighter. He’s dedicated, and that’s what I like about him.”
Paul, with just 13 professional fights on his record, is expected to face early pressure from the former two-time heavyweight champion. Most observers doubt he carries the power needed to seriously trouble Joshua, even if he tries to mirror Ruiz Jr’s aggressive, close-quarters approach.
Still, the Youtuber maintains his confidence. At the opening press event, the 28-year-old referenced Joshua’s previous difficulties on American soil, saying: “Look what happened the last time they came to America and the plans they had.”
