Andy Ruiz vs Anthony Joshua: Challenger weighs 237lbs as rematch kicks off today -

Few hours to the much-anticipated rematch between Anthony Joshua and Andy Ruiz, the challenger has appeared to be in good shape as the British-Nigerian born pugilist weighed in at 237lbs.

Joshua, who suffered the first defeat of his professional career when he was sensationally stopped by Ruiz in June, dropped almost a stone since the first fight.

In contrast, Ruiz has piled on the pounds and scaled 20st 3lbs (283lbs), 15lbs heavier than their first fight at Madison Square Garden in New York City. Joshua insisted the large difference in weight will work to his advantage.

He said: “It’s about how u come back. I have different challenge in my head. When you have walked the road once, you can do it again. I’m looking at myself in the mirror and saying; ‘i know am better than that loosing(last time round)’. Andy is still the same person. He will come game and i’ve got to change some of my bits and bobs.”

Earlier, The Herald reported that Briton Anthony Joshua said his first career defeat at the hands of Andy Ruiz Jr. was due to a lack of experience and he had become a “smarter” fighter ahead of December’s rematch.Mexican-American Ruiz produced one of boxing’s biggest upsets when he dethroned the previously undefeated world heavyweight champion with a seventh-round stoppage at New York’s Madison Square Garden in June.

“It wasn’t burnout. The issues I faced in the last camp, it’s just down to lack of experience. Even though it was at a high level, we were still finding experience. Andy Ruiz is good but I don’t think he should beat me twice. I used to hear guys say you have to take a loss and I would think ‘why’?

“Now I can understand it and know what it takes. I have more understanding now and my ears are open to new information so that’s making me smarter as a fighter,” Joshua said.