Following the unexpected defeat from Andy Ruiz, Anthony Joshua is preparing for yet another fight against the Mexican-American boxer.
Joshua and Ruiz Meet Eye-to-Eye for Rematch
Anthony Joshua experienced an unlikely upset in June when Andy Ruiz Jr clinched a quick victory against the Briton, in his first appearance in the United States. With a series of punches, the Mexican boxer managed to relieve Joshua of the IBF, WBA and WBO titles. Tyson Fury said that it was the end of Joshua as a boxer.
Yet, not all is settled. Anthony Joshua will be coming back for a rematch in Saudi Arabia on December 7 and Sky Sports will be broadcasting the event. Joshua seemed optimistic about his chances during a press conference earlier today, September 5. ‘A little blip shouldn’t change you,’ he mused.
Commenting on his upcoming fight against Ruiz, Joshua said that he felt confident and that he knew what he was in for.
I can become familiar with him. In fact, I know what I’m in for. I know what I’m capable of. I know what he’s capable of . Also, I know some of the attributes he possesses, and some of the weaknesses. I have to go about exposing him a little bit more.
He also commented his strategy during the first fight. For example, when Ruiz was down on the floor the first time around, Joshua ruminated, he could have been a little more careful about how the boxer would respond.
Ruiz was also rather composed. He quickly said that both fighters will be bringing ‘their game,’ plain and simple. Yet, none of the fighters seemed to harbor any ill will towards one another, which is always a good thing to see in boxing.
The Mexican fighter also shared that he felt Joshua like a friend, but as the re-match approaches, Ruiz noted that there would be no friends inside the ring.
How Did Joshua Lose?
The surprising knockout against Ruiz definitely caught the public by surprise. Joshua had gone undefeated until his fight against the Mexican opponent. More importantly, that was the first time the Briton arrived on American soil to box. Yet, he lost and when he was recovering from a series of heavy hits, he just signed his surrender at the end– for a want of better word.
Tyson Fury said that Joshua was ‘finished’ because of Joshua decision not to continue. In honesty, however, Joshua may have made the right decision. Joshua had said in interviews before that his top priority was to lead a healthy life.
His priority in the ring was not only winning the title, but also to make sure that the other boxer was alright. This may be dismissed as an excuse on the part of Joshua, but he has been consistent in being respectful – both in public and in private – to other fighters.
However, just this once, Joshua may need to heed his opponent’s advice and show no mercy to Ruiz in December.
