Tyson Fury advised to avoid Andy Ruiz Jr before Anthony Joshua showdown
Tyson Fury has been urged by former world champion Duke McKenzie to avoid a tune-up fight against Andy Ruiz Jr ahead of his highly anticipated winter showdown with Anthony Joshua.
The 37-year-old recently returned to competitive action following a brief retirement, defeating Arslanbek Makhmudov on points in April.
Following that victory at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, the former two-time heavyweight world champion immediately agreed to a blockbuster bout with Joshua.
Both British stars are now scheduling interim bouts, with Joshua set to face Kristian Prenga on 25 July.
Stylistic mismatch
The ‘Gypsy King’ expects to take a warm-up fight in August and has attracted interest from numerous contenders, including Mexican-American hard-hitter Ruiz.
However, boxing pundit McKenzie believes the former unified champion presents the exact wrong type of stylistic challenge.
“No, there is absolutely no sense in it,” McKenzie told talkSPORT Boxing.
“Stylistically, Andy Ruiz is all wrong, isn’t he? He’s not 6ft 6 or however tall Joshua is.”
“He’s not got long arms, he’s short, he’s diminutive and he’s a little pressure fighter.”
McKenzie advised that the returning heavyweight should instead target a tall, rangy opponent to adequately prepare for his domestic rival.
Remaining focused on August
Despite his recent setbacks against Oleksandr Usyk in 2024, the veteran remains fully committed to his three-fight plan for the calendar year.
He recently confirmed his intention to stay active, regardless of who stands in the opposite corner this summer.
“We have not got an opponent yet, but again, it’s never about the opponent, it’s just about me versus me always,” he told FurociTV.
“So, whoever the opponent is, if it’s Joe Bloggs or if it’s Mike Tyson, it’s all important to me. It’s just a run out for me, just to get sharper for the big one.”
However, the Manchester-born boxer is acutely aware that a shock defeat would completely derail the long-awaited clash with Joshua.
“Listen, I might get knocked out my next fight in August, so then it’s all over,” he conceded.
He insists he will not overlook his next challenger, noting that every heavyweight contest remains a deadly serious proposition.