Anthony Joshua fight: What time does AJ vs Ruiz start in Australia, what TV channel and what are the odds?

Joshua makes his US debut on Saturday night

Sunday 02 June 2019 03:15 BST

Anthony Joshua: Wilder is the fight I really wanted

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Anthony Joshua will defend his WBA, WBO and IBF titles at Madison Square Garden tonight.

Andy Ruiz is his opponent after American Jarrell Miller failed a drugs test in the run up to the fight.

This will be the Brit's first fight on American soil and he'll be looking to put on an impressive display in front of the New York crowd.

Callum Smith and Katie Taylor are both also slated to fight as part of a stacked undercard.

Here’s everything you need to know ahead of the fight.

When and where is the fight?

The fight takes place on Saturday June 1 in New York City.

What time will the ring walks be Australian time?

The main event ring walks will likely take place around the 1pm (AEST) mark on Sunday afternoon – but as with anything in boxing, it’s subject to change.

Anthony Joshua puts his unbeaten record on the line (PA)

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.

What TV channel will it be on?

For those wanting to tune in it is avialable on Main Event in Australia for $49.95.

Andy Ruiz Jr stepped in at late notice (Getty)

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

Katie Taylor looks to become undisputed champion in the women’s lightweight division (Getty)

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.

Anthony Joshua talks about Miller's failed drugs test

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.

Odds

Joshua: 1/25

Ruiz: 10/1

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