Anthony Joshua is getting ready for a chance to win back three of his major world titles this weekend when he faces Andy Ruiz Jr. in a rematch of their June fight, and with just a few days left Joshua answers questions about his state of mind.
On taking this fight in Saudi Arabia and not holding out for the U.K. rematch:
“I don’t know about home advantage because it’s a fight, isn’t it? I don’t think home advantage matters, especially at this weight, in the heavyweight division. So, all good. So be it. Wherever it was gonna be I’m gonna go in with the mindset of a winner.”
On looking slimmer than his usual build:
“Do I? Serious? I still think I look solid. You know what, I’ve been good. I’ve been gym ready, like I’m good in the boxing gym and I just feel good. I haven’t really focused on my weight as much as focus on boxing.”
On what he’s changed for this fight:
“The mind is the biggest muscle in the body so I just use it to my advantage now. Positive self-talk, always. You should do it as well, everyone should it because positive self-talk is important. Believe it in your heart, not just your mind. Really believe it.”
On how much pressure he’s feeling:
“I’m more relaxed now. I’m quite experienced. I’ve walked the mountain a few times so I’m pretty calm and I’m ready to rock n’ roll Saturday.”
On what he expects from Andy Ruiz:
“He’s gonna be ready to rumble, come out quick, try to land combination punches. And that’s about it, really.”