FORMER heavyweight world champion Andy Ruiz Jr is leaning towards Oleksandr Usyk winning the rematch against Anthony Joshua.
The 32-year-old has stated he thinks the unbeaten Ukrainian will successfully defend his WBO, WBA and IBF belts as long as he hasn't been partying since his September victory.
Joshua and Usyk square off inside the ring for a second time next month on August 20 in Jeddah.
AJ once again travels to Saudi Arabia to win back his old titles just as he did when he outpointed Ruiz Jr in their December 2019 rematch.
Ruiz Jr has conceded that he drank too much and partied too hard following his shock victory over the British star.
Even his dad slammed the Destroyer's preparations for the rematch by stating he was too busy "throwing parties" to train.
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And Ruiz Jr has now declared that he thinks that Usyk will fare better than he did against AJ as long as he doesn't follow his example.
Speaking to iD Boxing, he said: "If Usyk doesn't do the same thing I did (he can win), I'm sure he doesn't because he's been on top of the game in cruiserweight and undisputed in cruiserweight.
"I think it could go either way. I know Anthony Joshua has a new trainer in Robert Garcia, he's over there trying to show him the Mexican style to be aggressive, throw a lot of punches, to be first, to come at him.
"But Usyk is an awkward fighter, he's an awkward lefty fighter, it's why we picked a lefty as well in case we have to go through Usyk.
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"Even in sparring it's a little tricky but we adjust to it, I'm pretty sure if Anthony Joshua has been sparring a lot, because that's exactly what helps us and having different styles in there, he can adjust."
Ruiz Jr, who faces Luis Ortiz in September, has set his sights on a trilogy bout with Joshua regardless of whether they both win or lose their next fight.
He added: "Of course, that's something we should have done. Once he beat me over there, there should have been a trilogy.
"I should have had one more opportunity to get back those belts just like we gave him the opportunity with the rematch.
"Things happen, he lost again to Usyk and the best man wins.
"Of course, there has to be a trilogy. Even if he loses or wins, or if I lose or win, there has to be a trilogy some day and some how."
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