Mexican heavyweight contender Andy Ruiz hasn't been impressed with the form of Joseph Parker and believes he's going to have success with pressuring the New Zealand heavyweight.
The pair will fight for the vacant WBO world heavyweight title in Auckland next month, as part of a big event on December 10th. Ruiz told Fairfax Media that he's as studied the past fights of the 24-year-old Parker, and he's noticed that the New Zealand can't fight well going backwards.
Ruiz wasn't impressed with how the 6'4" Parker fought in his narrow 12 round unanimous decision win over Carlos Takam in May in their fight in the WBO heavyweight eliminator bout.
"In his fight against Carlos Takam he didn't really look that good, he's not good fighting backward," Ruiz said.
"That's going to be my advantage, pursuing him and throwing my combinations."
Ruiz also stated that he enjoys coming up against taller opponents and Parker will have a significant height advantage on December 10th in Auckland.
"I have been fighting tall fighters all my life so this fight is not going to be any different. I like fighting taller fighters because tall fighters don't like to fight short fighters … they don't like them always being there. I like to move and always like being there, it gives problems to a lot of top fighters. I find short guys more difficult, they turn in a little ball and it's harder to get them. Taller fighters, with your speed and combinations, it's a direct target."
Ruiz views this contest as fate. The two boxers sparred back in 2013 and recently crossed paths in Las Vegas.
"It feels like it was meant to be because I was meant to fight Hughie Fury and that didn't happen and and then this opportunity came up. It feels like my time," Ruiz said. "That was really cool [to run into Parker in Las Vegas]. I saw him and it put a smile on my face. I haven't seen him since we last sparred in 2013," Ruiz said.
"I have nothing bad to say about him. He's a good guy, a good fighter ... we are both in this same position because we are both good fighters. I like to travel, they say it's really beautiful out there so I'm excited to go to New Zealand. I'm excited to give the fans a good fight. There's going to be a lot of fireworks, a lot of exchanges from me and Joseph Parker. It's going to be a good fight.
"We are both humble guys, we're friends out of the ring but soon it's going to be business, we are both fighting for what we have been training for all our own lives. May the best man win."
