Anthony Joshua beats Andy Ruiz Jr, becomes two-time World Heavyweight Champion 

Last night in Diriyah, Saudi Arabia, Anthony Joshua defeated Andy Ruiz Jr on a unanimous points decision to reclaim his WBO, IBF, WBA and IBO heavyweight titles. The 2012 Olympic gold medalist (Joshua) suffered an initial upset to Ruiz at a time in June, in New York City. Saturday night rematch with the Mexican-American in about 15,000 seat capacity in Diriyah showed how improved Joshua was from the first fight. The Brit (Anthony Joshua) stuck to his back-foot game plan as he resisted the urge to charge into battle with Ruiz. 

Ruiz came to the bout 15 pounds heavier. This one way or the other affected him during the match as he wasn’t quick enough to work pass Joshua’s jab. As for Joshua, he came in 11 pounds lighter than when he lost to Andy Ruiz the last time out – This helped Anthony Joshua to move around the ring better yesterday.   

The judges present at the ringside scored the bout 118 – 110, 118 – 110 and 119 – 109 in favour of Anthony Joshua after the normal 12 rounds fight. 

Total Punches Landed

The Brit heavyweight champion said he’s humble in victory and lots more in an interview after the bout: “I make no excuses. My boy [Dereck] Chisora said I could do this if I was willing to d-i-e [but] this is boxing. I gave [Ruiz] his credit in the first fight. There are no excuses. I respect Andy and his trainer so much but I wanted to put on a great master class and show that the sweet science of this sport is about hitting and not getting hit. 

As I always say, I’m not perfect but I’m trying. Never change in mentality. You know the saying – stay hungry, stay humble. I’m hungry, I’m humble in defeat and I’m going to remain humble in victory.”  

Andy Ruiz Jr, on the other hand, admitted he’s gained more weight after his first encounter with Joshua, about 6 months ago, and he also expressed his happiness for a third match: “It was his night. I don’t think I prepared how I should, I gained too much weight. But I have no excuses. But if we do the third fight, I’m going to get in the f—ing best shape of my life. I thought I was going to feel stronger and be better but next fight I’m going to feel stronger and be better but next fight I’m going to be prepared. I tried to train myself for this preparation but I don’t have to give any excuse. Anthony Joshua did a hell of a job. 

I think I was chasing him too much instead of cutting off the ring. Who wants to see the next trilogy fight here in Saudi Arabia?”