Anthony Joshua is back as world heavy weight boxing champion after defeating challenger Andy Ruiz Jnr. over the distance in their highly anticipated rematch which took place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
AJ out-pointed the Mexican over 12 rounds to win118-110. 118-110. 119-109 in a performance that The Telegraph described as a “Superb, clever, athletic, brilliant and classy performance.”
Joshua jabbed, evaded and landed punches with better precision compared to the first fight where he was knocked down four times.
Taking the fight to the Mexican Joshua cut hom above the left eye with a strong right hand in the first round.
A unanimous decision does not a knock out make but Anthony Joshua came into this rematch not for revenge but to take back his world title and that required smarts, athleticism and strategy while Andy Ruiz was hoping for a knock with another “punch from the gods.”
It never came.
At the end of the fight alAnthony Joshua announced that there would be a 3rd fight.
“First of all, I want to thank God. I want to say Bismillah!
A man like me don’t make excuses. Last time, I hurt him but I got caught. I wanted to show the sweet science of this lovely sport. It is about hitting, and not getting hit.
Stay hungry, stay humble. I am hungry, I am humble in defeat and I am going to stay humble in victory. I have so much respect for Andy and his family.
“Thank you to God and to Eddie and Barry Hearn.”
“If you heard, we are going to do the third.”
“I am not perfect but I am trying. I want to shout out Prince Khlaed and Prince Abdul Aziz.
“Two time!”
