Anthony Joshua claims Andy Ruiz is a “smarter” boxer than Jarrell Miller and has been forced to adapt his training camp accordingly.
The IBF, WBA & WBO champion will face Ruiz at Madison Square Garden on June 1 after Miller failed three drug tests.
Ruiz has only lost once in his career, via a controversial points decision, against Joseph Parker in New Zealand but has since notched up three wins and is seen to be a better technical fighter than Miller.
“Obviously with Miller he was 300lbs, his punch output was very high as well – so what I tried to do was adapt my training in terms of size and punch output and what I was going to do to someone that comes forward all the time,” Joshua told Sky Sports News.
“Ruiz doesn’t weigh as much, he is a lot quicker than Miller and I think he uses punch variety and punch selection a lot better than Miller does.
“His punch output is a lot lower but he is more accurate with his punches. I have to be better with my defence, a lot tighter and be smarter against someone like Ruiz.
“Even though he is not as big and doesn’t work as hard to a certain degree, he is a lot smarter.”
Joshua insists the change of opponent will not affect his performance and is intent on winning by clinical knockout.
“It’s fine. The good thing is when you don’t take your eye off the prize and you prepare for things like this, it isn’t an issue,” he added.
