Anthony Joshua has vowed to "batter" new opponent Andy Ruiz if he continues to trash-talk in the build-up to their June 1 showdown.
Ruiz was officially confirmed as the replacement for Jarrell Miller for Joshua's US debut at Madison Square Garden and promptly branded the Brit a "big robot".
But Joshua did not take too kindly to his words and claimed he will make the Californian heavyweight, of Mexican heritage, regret his comments.
He revealed how his original plan to grind down Ruiz could go out the window as he vowed to prove "what this robot can do" on June 1.
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"Wow, he's already starting his trash talk?" said to Boxing Social .
"You don't want to talk, because I will whoop him.
"I thought he was a cool guy. I said I'd go in there and just beat him up slowly.
"But if he talks reckless I will batter him. I will show him what this robot can do.
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"It's up to him how he wants to approach the fight. If he wants to talk reckless then he'll be in for a proper scrap.
"You can't push these buttons, I'll punish him bad."
Joshua is set to be backed by a large travelling contingent in New York.
Yet Ruiz will also bring plenty of fans as he aims to become Mexico's first ever heavyweight world champion - and Joshua admits he's unsure whether he will start with the crowd on side.
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He added: "I don't know (if he'll be supported boxer), I actually don't know. It'll be interesting.
"Everyone is patrotic. There are going to be a lot of people from the USA supporting Ruiz, and there are going to be a lot of Brits out there.
"It's going to be a real balance, but as long as they get a good fight, people respect everyone."
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