In a significant development ahead of one of boxing's most anticipated matches, former heavyweight champion Andy Ruiz Jr has offered crucial advice to Jake Paul for his upcoming fight against Anthony Joshua. The high-profile boxing clash is scheduled for December 19 in Miami, featuring the YouTuber-turned-boxer against the British boxing superstar.
Ruiz's Winning Formula Against Joshua
Andy Ruiz Jr knows exactly what it takes to defeat Anthony Joshua, having accomplished this feat in their memorable 2019 encounter. Speaking at the New Village Girls Academy Turkey Drive in Los Angeles this week, Ruiz revealed the key strategy that could help Paul secure victory. "Just get him with the right hand," Ruiz told TMZ Sports, emphasizing Paul's most potent weapon. "That's what Jake Paul is lookin' for, the right hand, and if he lands, he can do good damage."
The Mexican-American boxer, who stunned the boxing world with his seventh-round TKO victory over Joshua at Madison Square Garden in 2019, also stressed the importance of mental preparation. He urged Paul to enter the ring with confidence and without fear, recognizing that psychological strength is as important as physical preparation in high-stakes matches.
Recognizing Paul's Boxing Credentials
Despite widespread skepticism about Paul's chances against the former two-time unified heavyweight champion, Ruiz expressed genuine appreciation for the social media star's dedication to boxing. "A lot of people underestimate Jake Paul, but in reality, he's a good fighter, and he's dedicated, and that's what I like about him," Ruiz stated, acknowledging Paul's work ethic and continuous improvement.
Paul enters this fight with a professional record of 12-1, with his only loss coming against Tommy Fury two years ago. The 28-year-old American has built his boxing resume by defeating several former UFC fighters, including Anderson Silva, Tyron Woodley, Nate Diaz, and Ben Askren. His most recent victory came in June when he defeated Julio Cesar Chavez Jr on points, and he previously tested himself at heavyweight with a win over Mike Tyson.
Historical Context and Fight Details
Ruiz's advice carries significant weight given his historical performance against Joshua. In their first meeting, Ruiz dropped Joshua four times before scoring a famous stoppage victory that shocked the boxing community. However, Joshua later reclaimed his titles in their rematch, demonstrating the unpredictable nature of heavyweight boxing.
The upcoming bout represents the toughest challenge of Paul's boxing career. The event will take place in Miami with ring walks expected around 11pm local time, and will be streamed live on Netflix, making it accessible to a global audience. This marks another milestone in Paul's unconventional boxing journey as he continues to face increasingly formidable opponents.
