Sports
Joshua Fights Like A Robot -Ruiz Jr
World heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua “fights like a big robot”, says Andy Ruiz Jr, who has vowed to “make history” when they fight on 1 June.
Ruiz, 29, has been confirmed as Joshua’s opponent for his US debut, replacing Jarrell Miller following the American’s failed drug tests.
Joshua, 29, has been installed as a 1-25 favourite with bookmakers.
He said: “My whole life people underrated me so I’m going in there to take all,” said Ruiz, who has 32 wins from 33 fights.
“I’m not going in there scared and I’m not going in there nervous, I’m going to go in there mad and to take what’s mine.”
Ruiz, a Mexican-American based in California, is bidding to become Mexico’s first ever heavyweight world champion.
In his only world title shot and defeat to date, he was beaten on points by New Zealand’s Joseph Parker, who later lost his WBO title to Joshua.
“There’s nervousness in me, but they’re happy nerves,” added Ruiz. “This is my chance to make history.
“I think the fight is going toe-to-toe, two guys smashing each other’s faces. I’m going in there to throw combinations like I’ve never done before, to improve my speed.
“I think being so tall he fights like a big robot. I think with my style, my speed, my movement, I don’t think he’s fought anybody like me. It’s going to be a whole different ball game. I’m going to bring the pressure, the speed, and the combinations to him.
“When I do pull out this win, everything is going to change. I’m going to bring the titles back to Mexico, it’s going to mean everything. I’m going to be able to change my whole family’s lives; my life and all my kids,” he said.
Joshua has not fought since his impressive stoppage win over Alexander Povetkin in September.
The IBF, WBO and WBA world champion was well into training camp when news of Miller’s failed drug tests emerged, prompting a search for a suitable opponent.
“Ruiz is a different kind of challenge but one I embrace,” said Joshua, who has 22 wins from 22 fights.
“We have worked in the boxing gym week on week and whomever is put in front of me at Madison Square Garden will be dispatched in style. The rent will be collected.”
Joshua’s promoter Eddie Hearn has backed the champion to use the bout to make a telling impact in the US.
Hearn believes Ruiz is “a tougher test” than Miller would have proven, stating the challenger “punches harder and is much faster”.
“People talk about fighting AJ, some even have to fill their bodies with performance-enhancing drugs to try and beat him up, but very few genuine fighters step up and take the challenge,” Hearn said.
“Andy brings Mexican heart but he will meet the best heavyweight in the world in June head on at the Garden.”
The Bayelsa State government, yesterday, announced that the marathon will be held on Saturday, April 4, 2026.
The inaugural race is owned by the Bayelsa State Government and will be organised by Nilayo Sports Management Limited, a sports management company.
Under the theme “The Reveal,” the race represents a bold unveiling of Bayelsa’s immense human and cultural potential to the international community, inviting the world to witness the resilience, grit, and talent rooted in the heart of the Niger Delta.
According to the organisers, the race will be flagged off at 9:30 a.m., at the Opolo Roundabout, guiding participants through a carefully designed 10-kilometre route that highlights the scenic beauty and vibrant atmosphere of Yenagoa.
The course will culminate at Peace Park Square, where athletes will cross the finish line into a grand celebration of endurance, unity, and community spirit.
To elevate the experience for runners and spectators alike, the finish venue will host a high-energy post-race concert featuring performances from top A-list artistes, blending sport and entertainment in a festival-style atmosphere.
The organisers directed all registered participants to collect their race bibs and kits at the designated Peace Park Square between March 30 and April 3, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. daily.
The race, according to them, is currently on track for World Athletics accreditation, underscoring the commitment of both the Bayelsa State Government and Nilayo Sports Management Limited to delivering an event that meets the highest global standards.
The Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Bukola Olopade, on Friday continued the Commission’s nationwide appreciation tour with a visit to Abeokuta, where outstanding junior athlete, Majekodunmi Afusat Bisola, was presented with a cheque of N3 million.
The presentation forms part of the NSC’s initiative to recognise and reward exceptional junior athletes who distinguished themselves in 2025 and contributed significantly to Nigeria’s medal haul.
Majekodunmi delivered an impressive run of performances on the track. At the last edition of the National Sports Festival, she stormed to gold in the 400m and the 4x400m relay. She replicated the double triumph at the Confederation of African Athletics (CAA) Junior Championship, in Abeokuta, before emerging as one of the standout stars at the African Youth Games in Luanda, Angola.
Speaking during the presentation, Olopade explained that the Commission deemed it necessary to extend financial appreciation to grassroots athletes after elite performers had earlier received grants running into thousands of dollars.
“A few weeks ago, after paying grants to our elite athletes, we agreed tthere was a need to also appreciate these young, budding talents who made Nigeria proud last year,” he said.
He disclosed that of the 376 medals recorded by Nigerian athletes in 2025, more than 200 were won by grassroots talents, underscoring the importance of sustained investment in youth development.