Sign up to the Independent's betting newsletter for the latest tips and offers
Sign up to the Independent's betting newsletter
Anthony Joshua will face Andy Ruiz Jr tonight in his first fight on American soil.
Mexican Ruiz will step into the ring with the WBA, WBO and IBF champion after the man originally set to do so, Jarrell Miller, failed a drugs test in the run up.
Joshua will want to impress the Madison Square Garden crowd with fights against Deontay Wilder and Tyson Fury on the agenda.
He won't be alone at MSG, though, with Callum Smith and Katie Taylor also defending world titles on a stacked undercard.
Here’s everything you need to know ahead of the fight.
February top 10 pound-for-pound boxers in the world
Show all 16
What TV channel will it be on?
For those wanting to tune in it will once again be Sky Sports Box Office and is available for £19.99 in the UK.
The fight will also be available to stream online via the Sky Sports wesbite or NowTV.
Those who want to stream the fight in the US can do so for £19.99 on DAZN.
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.
When and where is the fight?
If you’re in the UK, it’s in the early hours of Sunday, 2nd June and it takes place at the Mecca of boxing: Madison Square Garden in New York City.
What time will the ring walks be?
The main event ring walks will likely take place around the 4am mark – but as with anything in boxing, it’s subject to change.
Are tickets still available?
They are indeed, starting from a hefty $171 and going all the way up to $5,000(!) if you’ve got some cash to splash. You can get them right here.
What is the full fight schedule?
Kal Yafai vs Nolberto Jimenez (WBA world superflyweight title)
Callum Smith vs Hassan N’Dam (WBA, WBC and The Ring super middleweight titles)
Katie Taylor vs Delfine Persoon (undisputed IBF, WBA, WBC, WBO female lightweight titles)
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
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies