ANTHONY JOSHUA’S sparring partner has seemingly been revealed as Timothy Moten – after Eddie Hearn admitted his team wanted “chubby fighters” to replicate Andy Ruiz Jr’s style. AJ is working hard to avenge the first defeat of his pro career following criticisms he failed to prepare for June’s shock loss to Ruiz. Matchroom promoter Hearn […]
ANTHONY JOSHUA’S sparring partner has seemingly been revealed as Timothy Moten – after Eddie Hearn admitted his team wanted “chubby fighters” to replicate Andy Ruiz Jr’s style.
AJ is working hard to avenge the first defeat of his pro career following criticisms he failed to prepare for June’s shock loss to Ruiz.
Matchroom promoter Hearn insists the 6ft 6in Watford ace has since tailored his preparation for the Saudi Arabia rematch so it is based on tackling the Mexican’s style.
Although it is yet to be officially confirmed, American Moten posted multiple clips of himself training at the English Institute of Sport in Sheffield, where AJ is based with coach Rob McCracken.
The 27-year-old is undefeated in the five bouts he has had since turning professional two years ago, winning two by knock-out.
Mayhem Moten uploaded a video of himself training with coach Angel Fernandez, who Spanish outlet AS claimed has been working with AJ.
The heavyweight US boxer’s short, stocky style matches that of Ruiz Jr, with the Kentucky-born star just an inch shorter than the Mexican.
Moten, who briefly left Sheffield to visit London, has been reported by talkSPORT as saying: “We will go straight back to camp and then it’s back in the dead zone.
“We were told they might send us back here again for another one, depending on how we perform for camp. If we do good, we’ll be back here.”
Tough to find a guy like Ruiz, small, a little bit chubby, fast hands, and really good on the inside
Eddie Hearn
Joshua has already called in long-time friend Derek Chisora to help spar, with Del Boy confirming that his similar height to Ruiz was a factor.
Regarding his training, Hearn previously told Fino Boxing: “It’s madness. There’s eight weeks to go, and he’s been in camp for four weeks already.
“A lot of early sparring now is replicating the style of Ruiz.
“Last time we had probably three weeks of sparring, and it was tough to find a guy like Ruiz, because there aren’t many like him.
“Small, a little bit chubby, fast hands, and really good on the inside. Now we’ve replicated that, I feel like the preparation is going to be great.”
Yet AJ may be in for another shock as Ruiz is in the midst of sharpening up his physique by swapping Snickers for avocados.
The WBA, IBF, WBO and IBO champion has already fired a warning to his Brit rival that he will be “lighter, faster and more powerful” for the Saudi rematch.
Ruiz, 30, was billed as a no-hoper when he came in at short notice – and weighing 19st – to challenge Joshua, 30, for his world titles.
Fans were last month convinced the world champ had PUT ON more weight during a training session out in Diriyah.
But recent clips and photos from his camp show a leaner and meaner looking Ruiz after he confirmed that he has swapped his snack of choice, Snickers, for healthier options like fruit and nuts.
