Ruiz

Joshua taking tips from old foe Klitschko ahead of Ruiz rematch

Mexican-American Ruiz produced one of boxing's biggest upsets when he dethroned the previously undefeated world champion Joshua with a seventh-round stoppage at New York's Madison Square Garden in June.

Klitschko was defeated by Joshua in 2017 at Wembley Stadium with a technical knockout and the two boxers have stayed in touch even after the Ukrainian retired later that year at the age of 41.

"He said loads of stuff to me, Wlad was definitely ahead of the game. He's more disciplined than me, he's more diplomatic," Joshua told British media.

Joseph Parker fight to be held at Auckland's Vector Arena

The venue was confirmed at a media conference this morning.

The New Zealand boxer is set to face the Mexican-American Ruiz on 10 December.

Duco chief executive Martin Snedden said it had been a "rocky, volatile" few weeks, as he confirmed the Auckland venue.

But he said it was now time to enjoy the build-up to next month's bout.

"This will capture people in Auckland and New Zealand Joseph has become a figure new Zealanders have really warmed to."