Ruiz Jr adopts ‘warrior’ spirit in bid to meet his destiny

Andy RuizJr is ready to seize his date with“destiny” when he challenges IBF, WBA and WBO heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua.

The 29-year-old Mexican, who pushed for the opportunity to be the opponent at New York’ s Madison Square Garden following Jar re ll M ill er’ ssusp ension, is convinced the time is right for him to succeed where he has previously failed.

It continues to haunt him that his only professional defeat, on points by a majority decision, by Joseph Parker in 2016 for the WB O title since won by Joshua, came after he struggled to perform as he believes he can.

Although Saturday’s fight represents a far greater challenge, he believes the lessons learned from that defeat will ensure he capitalises on the biggest opportunity he is likely to have.

Ruiz Jr is both confident and sharp. “That’s exactly how I feel. It’s (my) destiny to become the first Mexican heavyweight champion of the world.

“(Joshua’s) got all the belts and everybody’ s trying to fight him. He’s a big-money name. I’m here to conquer what he has.

“When If ought Parker I went all the way to his hometown (Auckland). A lot of people don’t know about the training camp I had; I trained myself for that fight.

“Even though I was with (respected trainer) Abel Sanchez, he was just a little bit busy. I learned a lot from him but I’ve learned about working hard. Before I was slacking off too much. Now I have this opportunity, I feel amazing. I felt down but us fighters are warriors, we get back up, work harder, and I’m back here, getting this opportunity to make history.

“I come forward and throw combinations that Joshua hasn’ t seen. I hit harder than Jarrell Miller, and I’m faster.”

Asked if that defeat could therefore make the difference on Saturday, he responded :“It sure will. Knowing what I can do, we’ re going to come out victorious.”