Anthony Joshua had six months to think about the biggest upset loss of his professional career, and when it came time for the rematch with Andy Ruiz Jr., the British boxing star was ready to reclaim his heavyweight title belts.
Joshua defeated Ruiz by unanimous decision on Saturday in Saudi Arabia, going the entire 12 rounds against a heavier Ruiz.
The fight didn’t feature the fireworks of the first meeting, but Joshua stuck to his approach and frustrated Ruiz with his consistent movement and jabs. Joshua’s bounce-back effort had much of the boxing world impressed while Ruiz’s weight gain was roundly criticized. Ruiz blamed his own preparation after the loss.
RUIZ IS CUT. 😱#RuizJoshua2 pic.twitter.com/pGVgdxKIqo
— DAZN USA (@DAZN_USA) December 7, 2019
This was how Twitter reacted to the fight.
Anthony Joshua and Andy Ruiz hug it out after the fight 🙌#RuizJoshua2 pic.twitter.com/MnNCLzNQqm
— DAZN USA (@DAZN_USA) December 7, 2019
Annnndddd thhheeeee neeeewwwwww
— Luke Campbell MBE (@luke11campbell) December 7, 2019
Ladies and gents, Anthony Joshua is back where he belongs!
World Champpppppp! #RuizJoshua2 pic.twitter.com/g0Qt6cchj2
— Ondo First Born® (@OndoFirstBorn) December 7, 2019
Joshua wins $50 million !!!! Plus his belts!!! #RuizJoshua2 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽
🇳🇬 🇬🇧 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽
— Dr. Dípò Awójídé (@OgbeniDipo) December 7, 2019
"I didn't prepare how I should have and I gained too much weight, but I dont want to make no excuses."
Literally the 2 most despicable excuses in boxing you can make. #RuizJoshua2 #boxing
— caleb truax (@GoldenCalebT) December 7, 2019
Joshua-Ruiz 3 ? pic.twitter.com/kI7tAl1XZX
— The President (@PrezAVK) December 7, 2019
A+ That was a methodical breakdown of Andy Ruiz. @anthonyfjoshua showed absolute class. pic.twitter.com/6jC2W2yDU1
— Billy The Kid (@BillyDib) December 7, 2019
Don’t know what to make of AJ. Still think there’s a better fighter in there somewhere. Great he got the win but he fought Ruiz as though he was Mike Tyson. Guess there’s always the rubber match.
— Andrew Harrison (@safesideOTR) December 7, 2019
Let’s face it. The better man won tonight. Andy Ruiz made a lot of money in his two fights against Anthony Joshua. He wasn’t expected to win the first fight and many didn’t pick him to win tonight. He still beats a lot of current contenders in the division .. #boxing #RuizJoshua2
— Francisco A. Salazar (@FSalazarBoxing) December 7, 2019
For me that’s a boxing lesson 👌
— derry mathews (@derrymathews23) December 7, 2019
Joshua fought a smart fight. #AndNew
— Gabriel Rosado (@KingGabRosado) December 7, 2019
We’ll have to see what’s next for Joshua’s fight schedule. He could elect for another rematch against Ruiz or go a different direction. Deontay Wilder and Tyson Fury’s rematch in February may also play a role for Joshua.
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