Anthony Joshua Reveals Why He Lost To Ruiz Jr

Hours after his stunning upset via knockout, Anthony Joshua has decided to enforce an immediate return fight with Mexican boxer, Andy Ruiz Jr

The Nigerian-British boxing champion, who lost his WBO, WBA and IBF heavyweight titles in his debut fight in America, admitted he was overconfident in the run-up to his crushing defeat, saying he didn’t even bother to ensure a rematch clause was in the contract.

“It’s not expected,” the 2012 Olympic gold medallist began while speaking hours after, adding: “Bookies said I was a favourite. One shot on the top of the dome rattled me a bit and I tried to stay in there a few more rounds. But the better man won. Respect to Andy and I’ll move forward now.”

On the surprising outcome, AJ, as he is also widely known, said, “I didn’t even ask about a rematch clause because I was so confident I was going to win. If it’s there, we’ll go again and I’ll get the titles back. I’m going to beat him up. I’m not dwelling on it. You just correct it, you adjust, you sit down, you focus and you go again.”

Eddie Hearn, Joshua’s long-time promoter, confirmed the contracted option for an immediate rematch with Ruiz saying it will take place in the UK in November or December.

“AJ got sloppy,” Hearn said. “It was a beautiful combination in the third round. He was in total control of the fight but he got sloppy and never recovered. Listen, tonight was [Ruiz’s] night but AJ will come back 100% and we will make the rematch in the UK in November or December. But this night now belongs to Andy Ruiz.

---

Advertise or Publish a Story on EkoHot Blog:

Kindly contact us at [email protected]. Breaking stories should be sent to the above email and substantiated with pictorial evidence.

Citizen journalists will receive a token as data incentive.

Call or Whatsapp: 0803 561 7233, 0703 414 5611