Tag: Diriyah

Andy Ruiz Jr. says he made no significant changes for Joshua rematch

Andy Ruiz Jr. said he has made minor adjustments but will be in the rematch the same fighter who stopped Anthony Joushua in June.

Andy Ruiz Jr. is doing exactly what a lot of people thought he should do after his demolition of Anthony Joshua in June: more of the same.

Ruiz stunned the boxing world by putting Joshua down four times before stopping him in the seventh round at Madison Square Garden in New York. His main objective for the rematch Saturday in Saudi Arabia has been fine tuning.

“The same thing,” Ruiz said when asked what he has done differently in this camp. “Training, making some adjustments, but we got all the tools, all the same things. So we’re focused mentally and ready for December 7.”

Many people have suggested that Ruiz (33-1, 22 knockouts) will have a massive psychological edge over Joshua (22-1, 21 KOs) in the second fight because of his dominance in the first one.

That’s not how the Mexican-American is approaching the rematch.

Andy Ruiz worked out with trainer Manny Robles in front of fans and media Tuesday in Saudi Arabia. Mark Robinson / Matchroom Boxing

“I could (have an advantage),” he said, “but I don’t want to underestimate any fighter because I respect every fighter that comes into the ring. We all risk our lives here to provide for our loved ones, so I’m just excited for Saturday to have a really good fight.”

And a really good victory.

“I didn’t want show off too much on what we’re working on,” he said. “I wanted to give a little mix there. We’ve been training really heard, working on different stuff, so (with) the speed, the pressure, the angles, everything we’ve been working on, hopefully December 7 we will get that victory.”

Anthony Joshua: ‘It’s been about being confident’

Anthony Joshua says he’ll be new and improved in his rematch with Andy Ruiz Jr. on Saturday in Saudi Arabia.

Anthony Joshua seemed to say Tuesday that we’ll see a different fighter from the one who was knocked down four times and stopped by Andy Ruiz Jr. in June. Joshua lost his three heavyweight titles that night.

They’ll meet against Saturday in Diriyah, Saudi Arabia on DAZN.

“I’m forever changing, that’s what training camp is about, evolution, like night and day,” Joshua said during an open workout. “I shed the skin from last time, re-built myself, and all I’m doing is going to win. That’s what I’m focused on.”

Many observers wonder about Joshua’s psyche after the way he lost to Ruiz, who said the Englishman quit.

Of course, we’ll see where Joshua’s mind is when he steps through the ropes but he’s saying the right words leading up to the fight.

Anthony Joshua and Andy Ruiz drew sizeable crowds to their open workouts on Tuesday in Saudi Arabia. Dave Thompson / Matchroom Sports

“It’s been about being confident, about knowing my capabilities,” Joshua said. “I’ve had a great training camp, I am well prepared, and ready to showcase my skills.”

Joshua (22-1, 21 knockouts) acknowledged that he has thought a lot about Ruiz (33-1, 22 KOs) and their first fight the past six months. Ruiz replaced Jarrell Miller as Joshua’s opponent after Miller tested positive for banned substances.

“He’s been on my mind five weeks prior to June 1 because that’s when he came in as my replacement, and he will be on my mind forever,” Joshua said.

And Joshua said fans should expect a third fight between them.

“If Andy Ruiz is dedicated to the game, we will see each other a third time down the line as well,” he said. “This won’t be the last time I see Andy Ruiz in the ring … because I think we make for good fights.”

Andy Ruiz Jr.’s assessment of Anthony Joshua: ‘I’m the more skilled boxer’

Andy Ruiz is confident going into his rematch with Anthony Joshua in part because he believes he is simply the better boxer.

What is Anthony Joshua’s biggest problem going into his rematch with Andy Ruiz Jr.? According to Ruiz, it’s very simple: He’s better than Joshua.

Ruiz put Joshua down four times and stopped him in seven rounds to shock the boxing world and win three of the four major heavyweight title belts in June in New York. They’ll do it again Dec. 7 in Diriyah, Saudi Arabia on DAZN.

“He’s going to try to make adjustments,” Ruiz told the U.K.’s Telegraph. “I don’t know if he wants to exchange punches, but I’d love for him to do that because I’m the more skilled boxer. He’ll try to box me round and use his jab. But for how long? How long can he keep me away from hunting him down? That’s what we’ve been working on most of all right now, heading into the fight.

“Fight fans are … going to see a lot of fireworks. If he knocks me down, I’m going to get up and knock him down. I know he’ll try to do the same if I knock him down. The main thing is to stay focused and disciplined.”

Ruiz, who went down himself in the first fight, said he’ll take nothing for granted in the rematch.

“I want to impose myself in this fight,” he said, “but I don’t want to overlook him. He’s still a dangerous fighter. I respect him and all the fighters who risk their lives inside the ring.

“He’s going to have some tricks up his sleeve, and it’s my job to not let that affect me. The main thing is pressure, throw combinations and use my speed. I can’t let him grow balls in there.”