Joshua to fight Andy Ruiz Jr in New York

Boxing - Anthony Joshua Media Day - English Institute of Sport, Sheffield, Britain - May 1, 2019 Anthony Joshua with trainer Robert McCracken during the media day Action Images via Reuters

London (Reuters): Heavyweight world champion Anthony Joshua will defend his titles against California-based Mexican Andy Ruiz Jr in New York on June 1, the Briton’s promoter announced on Wednesday.

Joshua, the WBA, IBF, WBO and IBO world champion, had been scheduled to fight American Jarrell Miller but the New York State Athletic Commission refused to sanction the fight after Miller failed a drugs test.

Ruiz is hoping to become Mexico’s first heavyweight world champion.

“It’s time to make history. On June 1 we’re going to make history,” he said in a YouTube interview with Matchroom Boxing. “I want to be one of those greats like (Julio Cesar) Chavez, (Mike) Tyson, (Evander) Holyfield, Lennox Lewis. I want to be in that category. This is my time, this is my chance