Anthony Joshua takes on Andy Ruiz Jr at Madison Square Garden tonight.
The Brit's WBA, WBO and IBF world titles will be on the line in New York in his first fight across the pond.
It would've been Jarrell Miller in the opposite corner but the American failed a drugs test in the run up leaving the Mexican to step into the breach.
Deontay Wilder and Tyson Fury possibly await down the line so expect Joshua to try and put on a show.
Here’s everything you need to know ahead of the fight.
How much will both fighters make?
Joshua was all set for the biggest payday of his glittering career with suggestions of a $25million purse before Miller pulled out. Expect him to still pull in a good number, a little way short of that this time around.
Ruiz will make the most money of his career when he steps through the ropes at MSG with some reports of a $7million payout for his trouble.
When and where is the fight?
If you’re in the UK, it’s in the early hours of Sunday June 2 and it takes place at the Mecca of boxing: Madison Square Garden in New York City.
What time will the ring walks be?
The main event ring walks will likely take place around the 4am mark – but as with anything in boxing, it’s subject to change.
What TV channel will it be on?
For those wanting to tune in it will once again be Sky Sports Box Office and is available for £19.99 in the UK.
The fight will also be available to stream online via the Sky Sports wesbite or NowTV.
Those who want to stream the fight in the US can do so for £19.99 on DAZN.
Are tickets still available?
They are indeed, starting from a hefty $171 and going all the way up to $5,000(!) if you’ve got some cash to splash. You can get them right here.
What’s at stake?
Joshua’s IBF, WBA (Super), WBO and IBO world heavyweight titles are on the line in this one. Plenty for Ruiz to gain, nothing for him to lose. It’s also Joshua’s US debut so a breakthrough on the other side of the pond could see him turn into a global superstar.
What are their records?
Joshua: 22 fights, 22 wins, 21 KOs.
Ruiz: 33 fights, 32 wins (21 KOs) and one defeat to Joseph Parker.
Fight odds
Joshua: 1/25
Ruiz: 10/1
By what method?
Joshua by Decision/Technical Decision 5/1
Joshua by KO 1/6
Draw 40/1
Ruiz by Points or Decision 33/1
Ruiz by KO 18/1
And in what round?
Joshua Round 1 KO 12/1
Joshua Round 2 KO 17/2
Joshua Round 3 KO 8/1
Joshua Round 4 KO 8/1
Joshua Round 5 KO 8/1
Joshua Round 6 KO 8/1
Joshua Round 7 KO 17/2
Joshua Round 8 KO 9/1
Joshua Round 9 KO 12/1
Joshua Round 10 KO 14/1
Joshua Round 11 KO 25/1
Joshua Round 12 KO 30/1
What is the full fight schedule?
- Souleymane Cissoko vs Wladimir Hernandez
- Chris Algieri vs Tommy Coyle
- Joshua Buatsi vs Marc Antonio Periban
- Josh Kelly vs Ray Robinson
- Katie Taylor vs Delfine Persoon
- Callum Smith vs Hassan N'Dam
- Anthony Joshua vs Andy Ruiz
Why isn’t Joshua fighting Miller?
The pair were originally scheduled to fight but Miller, despite accusing Joshua of taking PEDs, was actually taking performance-enhancing drugs himself.
He failed not one, not two, but three drugs tests (EPO, GW1516 and EPO) and was therefore not allowed to compete by the New York State Athletic Commission.
Prediction
Don’t underestimate Ruiz just because of how he looks. He is a very good fighter with blistering hand speed and if he can put some combinations together, could trouble Joshua. That said, it’s yet to be seen if he can take the sort of power that the Brit possesses. Joshua to win inside six.
