Anthony Joshua admits his body has changed after revealing new look ahead of Andy Ruiz Jr fight

ANTHONY JOSHUA admits he has trimmed down ahead of his rematch against Andy Ruiz Jr.

The British heavyweight star was criticised for looking more like 'a bodybuilder than a boxer' in his loss to the Mexican in June.

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And while he may not look as rock solid as before, the muscle trimming has all been part of a plan to concentrate on his boxing.

Cutting down on the bulk is expected to see the former four-belt world champion become more agile in his movement and give him more speed for the rematch with Ruiz.

Joshua told the media at a press conference in New York: "More boxing focussed. More boxing focussed, muscle memory and stuff like that.
"Even though it’s a short amount of time, that’s why you’ve said I’ve trimmed down.

I feel he’s not going to be as strong. I feel it’s a disadvantage for him

Andy Ruiz Jr

"Nothing else was more important to me in these three months than sharpening the tools that I left out of the box.
"Rather than just coming in strong and fit.
"You would’ve known I’d have just been working on the same things, but you noticed a change because I’ve been working on certain aspects."

Yet, Ruiz Jr believes this will leave Joshua at a "disadvantage" with less power to take down the Mexican.

The reigning world heavyweight champ said: "I feel he’s not going to be as strong. I feel it’s a disadvantage for him."

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"I think he should be how he was but if anything I’m the one who’s going to lose a bit of weight, I’m going to feel more faster, I’m going to be better in shape so December 7th everything’s going to show."

The first bout between the pair shocked the world, with Ruiz - a late replacement for Jarrell Miller - knocking the Brit to the canvas on four occasions before the referee ended the fight in the seventh round.

Now, the tables have turned with AJ the challenger in their 'Clash on the Dunes', with Diriyah in Saudi Arabia hosting the showdown.

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