Anthony Joshua vs Andy Ruiz Jr 2: World heavyweight champion ‘not in great shape’ ahead of rematch

The Mexican-American shocked the world in June to become the world heavyweight king but is not on track yet for the rematch

Andy Ruiz Jr is out of shape currently ahead of his anticipated world heavyweight title rematch against Anthony Joshua.

That’s according to the Mexican-American’s trainer, Manny Robles, who has some concerns ahead of their December 7 date in Saudi Arabia.

Ruiz Jr stunned the boxing world when he knocked out the Brit in New York in June and aftrer protracted negotiations, the rematch is seemingly finalised, but the champion is far from where he needs to be physically.

“We’re working on getting back together this week,” Robles told ESPN .

“I was hoping it would be [Monday] but it wasn’t, so we’re definitely working on that right now.

“We didn’t have a training session [Monday], but we’re scheduled to start training this week.

“He’s not in great shape, but he’s hitting the gym back home in Imperial. He’s running the treadmill, but obviously we haven’t fully begun training camp.

Ruiz Jr drops Joshua on his way to a stunning upset (Action Images via Reuters)

“Once we do we have [close to] four months to get ready for a fight. That’s enough time to get him in shape.

“Let’s hope we can get him back in the gym real soon and get him going again.”