Heavyweights Andy Ruiz Jr and Anthony Joshua rematch heads to the Arabian Peninsula
AJ lost his WBA, WBO and IBF heavyweight world titles to Mexican-American Ruiz Jr last June in Madison Square Garden and now gets the chance to win them back.
It was the biggest shock of the year as the unheralded Mexican, who stepped in at late notice to replace the disgraced Jarrell Miller, floored the unified heavyweight champion four times on the way to a seventh-round TKO victory.
The rematch against Andy Ruiz Jr is now set to take place in Diriyah, Saudi Arabia on December 7. Matchroom Boxing are expected to announce this news officially at a press conference on Monday, August 12. Eddie Hearn will chair a press conference along with Omar Khalil, Managing Partner of Skill Challenge Entertainment, official event partner in The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, to formally announce 'Clash on the Dunes' at The Savoy hotel in London on Monday August 12.
The highly-anticipated rematch will see Joshua enter the ring as the challenger following the first defeat of his professional career.
Joshua made no excuses for his first ever loss, despite rumours he suffered a panic attack in the dressing room before he walked out and rumours of food poisoning during his camp. There were also reports – subsequently denied – that he was knocked out in sparring during his training camp. He released a public statement to his fans dismissing any excuses for the sole career defeat, saying "I have to take my loss like a man."
The deposed champion said at the time of his defeat, "Congratulations to Andy Ruiz, he has six months to be champion because the belts go in the air and he’s going to have to defend against myself.
"I wouldn't mind if it was in New York again, I wouldn't mind if it's in England. New York opened their arms for me and my team and it was phenomenal. I have to correct what went wrong and get the job done in the rematch."