Anthony Joshua got the win he desperately needed in Saudi Arabia on Saturday night, defeating Andy Ruiz Jr by unanimous decision to win back the WBO, WBA, IBO and IBF world heavyweight titles he lost to Ruiz just five months ago in a stunning upset.
The first and second judges Glenn Feldman and Benoit Roussel both scored it 118-110. The third, fellow Brit Steve Gray, gave it to Joshua even wider, 119-109.
“First of all, I want to thank God. I want to say, man, the first time was so nice that I had to do it twice. A man like me doesn’t make any excuses. This is about boxing – I’m used to knocking guys out.” Joshua told Sky Sports.
“I realised last time, I hurt him. But I got caught. I respect Andy and his family, his trainer so much. I wanted to put on a boxing masterclass.
“It’s about hitting and not getting hit. It’s not a chance of mentality – stay hungry, stay humble. Thank you Andy, thank you everyone in Saudi Arabia and all the travelling fans.”
“It’s all about preparations. Careers are all about experience, I took my L and moved on. What did you want me to do? Give up?” Joshua added.
Joshua lost all his heavyweight belts when he was stopped by Ruiz in the first fight in New York, one of the biggest shocks in boxing history.
Ruiz beat Joshua through his ability to absorb a massive left hook to the chin, which floored the Mexican in the third for the first time in his career. He’s a super tough man.
“It was his night. I didn’t prepare how I should have, I gained too much weight. I don’t want to give too many excuses, he boxed me around.” Ruiz said.
“The weight affected me. I thought I’d feel stronger, thought I’d feel better. I tried to train myself, but I don’t want to give no excuses. Anthony Joshua did a hell of a job. Who wants to see the third trilogy fight?” Ruiz added.
