Joshua vs Ruiz Jr. Betting Odds and Pick

The No. 10-ranked pound-for-pound boxer in the world is making his USA debut as Anthony “AJ” Joshua squares off with Andy “The Destroyer” Ruiz Jr. at Madison Square Garden on June 1. AJ was supposed to defend his WBA (Super) IBF, WBO and IBO heavyweight titles against Jarrell “Big Baby” Miller, but Miller tested positive for performance-enhancing supplements and was denied a license by the NYSAC. Joshua is a -3500 favorite with Ruiz coming back at +1200.

For the odds analysis on the rematch check out my new article.

Odds Analysis

Ruiz has been a massive favorite for his fights, outside of his bout for the WBO heavyweight title against Joseph Parker in 2016. He was a +250 underdog in that scrap and ended up falling via majority decision. Since then, he has rattled off three straight wins, including two by knockout, earning his spot for a dance with Joshua.

AJ has been a favorite in each of his last seven fights with his tightest odds being when he fought Wladimir Klitschko for the WBA (Super) and IBO heavyweight belts in 2017. He was a -200 favorite in that bout and earned an 11th-round TKO.

This is a massive step up in competition for Ruiz, but his 32-1 record should not be overlooked. However, Joshua has three of the four major heavyweight titles and a perfect 22-0 record so it is not a surprise to see him as a massive favorite at -3000 to retain his titles.

How Will this Fight Play Out?

Joshua (-3500) brings his perfect 22-0 record into this bout, with 21 of those victories coming by knockout. Only Joseph Parker in March of last year has been able to go the distance with the Brit. The 29-year-old takes the center of the ring and rarely takes a step backward, working well behind his jab, looking to find opportunities to land his thunderous right hand. Additionally, he is a fantastic judge of distance and range and does a great job staying on the outside where he can utilize his 82-inch reach.

Ruiz (+1200) aims to improve upon his 32-1 record and capture the first major championship of his career. The 29-year-old has 21 wins by knockout and 11 by decision, while his only defeat was that majority decision vs Joseph Parker for the WBO heavyweight strap in 2016. The California native stalks forward with his hands high but doesn’t throw any punches until he is in range, which is not exactly a fantastic strategy as he only has a 74-inch reach, which is short for the division, and he is at risk of being hit as he moves forward.

Joshua is the more athletic fighter and will have quite the advantage in the reach department. Ruiz is most effective when he works the body early and often and I think that’s the approach he will need if he wants to wear AJ down. However, the champ is an intelligent fighter and will have a massive speed advantage as well and I don’t see him getting in any trouble.

Prediction: Anthony Joshua (-3500) via knockout (-400) Rounds 4-6 (+225)