Anthony Joshua Is Sparring "Chubby" Fighters In Preparation For Andy Ruiz Jr Rematch

Boxing promoter Eddie Hearn has revealed some of Anthony Joshua's pre-fight preparations ahead of his showdown against Andy Ruiz Jr.

The former WBA, IBF, WBO and IBO champion, who will come against the Mexican-American fighter on December 7 in Saudi Arabia, is currently sparring with fighters that are a similar size to Ruiz, according to Hearn, as he tries to reclaim the heavyweight belts.

Andy Ruiz stunned the world when he knocked out Anthony Joshua last month at Madison Square Garden

PA)

Hearn told Fino Boxing that Joshua is far more prepared than last time around.

"It's madness. There's eight weeks to go, and he's been in camp for four weeks already. A lot of early sparring now is replicating the style of Ruiz." he said.

"Last time we had probably three weeks of sparring, and it was tough to find a guy like Ruiz, because there aren't many like him.

"Small, a little bit chubby, fast hands, and really good on the inside.

"Now we've replicated that, and I feel like the preparation is going to be great. Andy Ruiz is in camp."

Ruiz holding all his titles. Image: PA Images

Andy Ruiz Jr looks in fantastic shape ahead of his rematch on December 7th.

The 30-year-old, who provided one of the biggest shocks in boxing history when he defeated AJ in June, is ready to do it all over again in Saudi Arabia.

In fact, Ruiz Jr has recently claimed he is "lighter, faster and more powerful" than ever before as they prepare to go head-to-head.

And he certainly looks to have lost plenty of weight in recent pictures and footage.

Image: Andy Ruiz Jr/Instagram

Ruiz is adamant that he will silence the doubters once again come December.

"I have a lot of respect for Anthony, outside the ring he is a very good man', Ruiz told ESPN Deportes.

"But inside [the ring] there are no friends, there is no respect or anything. It will not be an easy fight. I think it will be a hard fight, but nothing is easy in life, so we are training very hard. We will be prepared for whatever he brings.

"I will arrive in better condition. Lighter, faster and more powerful. They will believe that in December they will win.

"People will always talk like this, but I have faith that we're going to win and shut up more mouths."

Who will win this clash of the heavyweights in December?

Let us know in the comments.

Topics: SPORT, Boxing News, Andy Ruiz, Anthony Joshua, Boxing

Jack Kenmare

Jack Kenmare is a writer at SPORTbible. He's interviewed some of the biggest names in sport, including Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Pele, Carles Puyol and Tim Henman. He dabbles in all things sport but football is his biggest passion. He was once hit in the head by a wayward strike from Nicky Butt and lived to tell the tale.

@jackkenmare_