Anthony Joshua is a massive favorite to defeat forthcoming opponent Andy Ruiz Jr. having been forced to engage in a quick reshuffle.
Joshua was confirmed to face Ruiz Jr. on June 1st at Madison Square Garden. This was on the back of Jarrell Miller testing positive for drugs.
The Watford-born world champ is now 1/16 to rack up his 23rd win as a professional.
Considering that Joshua was 1/6 to beat Jarrell Miller, bookies think that Ruiz presents a far easier challenge than the New Yorker. This is despite the 29-year-old winning 32 of his 33 fights, 21 by KO.
Ruiz Jr’s sole loss was to Joseph Parker, who is the only person to have taken AJ the distance in his pro career. He is 12/1 to cause an upset, with the draw available at 33/1.
Joshua is currently backed by 61% of total bets, with 38% of the money going on Ruiz Jr.
The challenger has said that he wants to ‘shock the world’ by beating Eddie Hearn’s golden boy. But bookies think he has less of a chance than Carlos Takam and Alexander Povetkin. Both of whom went off at shorter odds in their respective fights.
UNDERDOG
Oddschecker spokesperson George Elek: ”Joshua’s odds suggest it will be another easy victory for the English fighter. Bookies and punters alike are giving Ruiz Jr little chance against him.
“There remains some doubt about Joshua’s chin, so with 21 KOs from 32 wins, he will be keen to finish the fight before he is hit by the powerful challenger. Joshua is 16/1 to end it in the first round.”
The New York card has been given a distinct UK v USA flavor by promoter Hearn since inception. Although most of the contests see one huge favorite over another also-ran.
Callum Smith features, alongside Kal Yafai as the other world title holders on the bill.
For more odds on Joshua v Ruiz visit oddschecker here: .
