Tyson Fury has been advised to steer clear of a fight with Andy Ruiz Jr ahead of his highly anticipated clash with Anthony Joshua. The warning comes from boxing icon Duke McKenzie, who believes the Mexican-American's style poses unnecessary risks for the Gypsy King.
Fury, 37, returned to the ring in April with a points victory over Arslanbek Makhmudov at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. He immediately called out Joshua, who was ringside, and the all-British showdown was agreed days later. Joshua will face Kristian Prenga on July 25 before meeting Fury later this year.
Fury has expressed interest in another tune-up fight in August, and Ruiz Jr has offered to step in. However, McKenzie told talkSPORT Boxing: 'No, there is absolutely no sense in it. Stylistically, Andy Ruiz is all wrong. He's short, diminutive and a pressure fighter. Fury needs someone tall and rangy, like Joshua.'
Fury acknowledged the risks of an August bout, telling FurociTV: 'I might get knocked out in August, then it's all over. I have to take one fight at a time.' He plans three fights this year: April, August, and the big one in October or November.
