Anthony Joshua could have Andy Ruiz rematch advantage claims Mike Tyson

Anthony Joshua could have the advantage over Andy Ruiz Jr in their rematch, because the champion has lost weight.

That’s what former undisputed heavyweight champion Mike Tyson believes.

Ruiz defends the WBA, WBO and IBF titles he took from Joshua in a rematch on December 7.

The pair will meet at the Riyadh Arena in Saudi Arabia, where the Brit will have the chance to win back his former belts.

Joshua lost his titles and his unbeaten record in spectacular style back in June when he was stopped by late-replacement Ruiz.

The Mexican knocked AJ down four times before the referee stepped in to wave off the fight.

Much was made at the time of Ruiz’s conditioning going into the fight, given that he was viewed by some as being significantly overweight.

Now, as he prepares for the rematch, he has slimmed down dramatically, saying he expects to be 10lbs lighter.

But Tyson is concerned that the weight loss will work against him, giving Joshua the advantage.

“There have been rumours he has lost weight,” Tyson said.

“I don’t like that. If it’s not broken, don’t fix it.

“He did well at that weight, so he should stay at that weight.

“In the first fight, Ruiz put the pressure on him so fast that he didn’t know what to anticipate.

“And there were some hard punches.”

Last time, Ruiz weighed in a stone-and-a-half heavier than Joshua.

The Brit weighed 17st7lbs, with Ruiz tipping the scales at 19st1lbs.

source: express.co.uk