Former unified world heavyweight champion Andy Ruiz Jr. has backed Anthony Joshua to adjust accordingly for his rematch with WBA, WBO and IBF world heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk on August 20 in Saudi Arabia.
Ruiz Jr. knows what it takes to beat Joshua following a seventh round stoppage win when the pair met at Madison Square Garden in June 2019.
However, when they went head-to-head a second time for the unified world heavyweight title six months later, Ruiz looked a shadow of his former self and was beaten convincingly by Joshua on points.
In a recent interview with iD Boxing, Ruiz admitted he didn't prepare properly for the Joshua rematch and believes Usyk will fare better against the Team GB Olympic Gold medalist when they meet for a second time.
"If Usyk doesn't do the same thing I did (he can win), I'm sure he doesn't because he's been on top of the game in cruiserweight and undisputed in cruiserweight," Ruiz said.
"I think it could go either way. I know Anthony Joshua has a new trainer in Robert Garcia, he's over there trying to show him the Mexican style to be aggressive, throw a lot of punches, to be first, to come at him.
"But Usyk is an awkward fighter, he's an awkward lefty fighter, it's why we picked a lefty as well in case we have to go through Usyk.
"Even in sparring it's a little tricky but we adjust to it, I'm pretty sure if Anthony Joshua has been sparring a lot, because that's exactly what helps us and having different styles in there, he can adjust."
Ruiz returns to action in September when he takes on heavyweight veteran Luis Ortiz, but the 32-year-old is also interested in a trilogy fight against Joshua now both men have one win apiece.
"Once he beat me over there, there should have been a trilogy. I should have had one more opportunity to get back those belts just like we gave him the opportunity with the rematch.
"Things happen, he lost again to Usyk and the best man wins.
"Of course, there has to be a trilogy. Even if he loses or wins, or if I lose or win, there has to be a trilogy some day and some how."