ANTHONY JOSHUA is in danger of “being seriously hurt” in his rematch against Andy Ruiz Jr, according to boxing legend Chris Eubank Sr.
The Brit is just hours away from his shot at redemption and win back the heavyweight titles he lost back in June.
Anthony Joshua could suffer ‘lifelong injuries’ according to Chris Eubank SrCredit: Alamy Live News
Joshua was floored four times on the way to a seventh-round stoppage loss to the unfancied Mexican Ruiz Jr.
But Eubank, who’s own son who shares his name and is also a boxer, is worried for the health of Joshua out in Saudi Arabia.
And the former two-weight world champion knows all about the dangers of the sport. He was involved in the 1991 fight against Michael Watson that left his opponent with life-changing injuries.
They should also have a duty of care to not endanger their boxer
Chris Eubank Sr on Joshua’s team
Speaking to World Boxing News, “AJ is in danger of being seriously hurt. I believe there’s a 70 per cent chance of him suffering a lifelong injury.
“This is very real and we pray for his well-being. I believe medical physicians and oxygen at ringside will be paramount.
“Wishing I’m wrong is not good enough, because those behind this fight are rightfully about making the money, for their fighter and themselves, at the expense of the fighter.
“But I believe they should also have a duty of care to not endanger their boxer.”
Chris Eubank is fearful for fellow Brit Anthony Joshua out in Saudi ArabiaCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
RUIZ IS A GLADIATOR
In their first fight, Joshua actually floored Ruiz Jr first in the third round before being hit by what he described as a “punch from the gods”.
A huge left hook completely scrambled his senses and the 30-year-old clearly never recovered from it.
And Eubank believes that AJ lacks the necessary fight and skills to be able to overcome the challenges he will face in Diriyah, describing Ruiz as a “gladiator”.
He added: “He was fast-tracked in a weak era of heavyweights if you compare this era to the era of the 90s and he is now on the world platform, which leaves him exposed to the few who are properly schooled in boxing.
“In the cold light of day, AJ was manufactured as a boxer (through no fault of his own).
“In short, his ability to box is limited and he can’t fight his way out of a fight as he didn’t learn the trade because he had adequate at best, people overseeing his career.”
The ringwalk is expected to start around 8.45pm UK time, with the undercard beginning at 4pm.
The Sun Sport’s John Hutchinson and Jack Figg predict a Joshua win during an in-depth preview ahead of Ruiz v Joshua II
Source: Boxing - thesun.co.uk
