Anthony Joshua’s ‘Make Or Break’ Rematch With Andy Ruiz Holds Saturday

British Nigerian boxer Anthony Joshua is reportedly in good shape for the rematch with Mexican boxer Andy Ruiz Jr.

The boxing world was left stunned in an initial match on June 1 2019 when Anthony Joshua who stepped in the ring as many’s favourite was knocked down three times before entertaining a final knockout blow in the seventh round by Ruiz.

Ruiz was a second-choice option after Jarrel Miller who was supposed to face Joshua was disqualified after testing positive to three substances.

Joshua, in the rematch scheduled for December 7 in Saudi Arabia, will be expected to fulfil his promise to Nigerians about redeeming the World Boxing Association (WBA), World Boxing Organisation (WBO) and International Boxing Federation (IBF) tittles he lost to Ruiz.

Recall that Anthony Joshua during his ‘spiritual’ visit to Makoko in Nigeria was told in Fela Kuti Shrine to make sure he gets back the belts taken from him after his loss.

According to Joshua, “they told me: make sure you go get those belts back.       

“I could win 10 more tittles.” He added.

Meanwhile, Joshua’s camp has expressed optimism that he will beat Ruiz in the rematch.

Joshua’s trainer Rob McCracken said there was no room for error in the rematch despite how skillful and motivated Ruiz is.

According to him, “Ruiz is one of the best. He’s motivated. He’s been in the best mood in camp for a while. He’s laughing and joking. He also knows that if he does everything right, he’ll win but there’s no room for error.”

Timothy Moten, one of Joshua’s co-trainers, confirmed the British boxer’s readiness to beat Ruiz hard, stating how he had dropped a few by sparring his partners with a hard hit.

“So, Joshua is learning to keep his composure, move his head, keep his guard up high even if he lands hurtful shots.

“He’s dropped a few of his sparring partners and he’s rocked a lot.

“Joshua is by far the hardest hitter I’ve been in the ring with.”

He also interestingly revealed that Joshua had been sparring another Mexican heavyweight in the hope of being prepared for the knockout blow that Ruiz Jr will inevitably try out during the match.

Meanwhile, Ruiz has vowed to send Joshua into retirement with his expected victory in their heavyweight rematch.

“I have to. I have to, right? He’s trying to take my career as well. It’s either me or him inside the ring. I will and I am,” he said.

Ruiz also said that he knows his opponent’s weakness and adding that he wouldn’t want the Joshua to learn from his mistakes.

‘His style is just perfect for me,’ Ruiz said during filming for Sky Sports’ The Gloves Are Off’.

‘The way that he moves around, the way that he carries himself inside the ring… he’s strong and big, but none of that really matters. I’ve been fighting since I was six years old. I have a lot of experience.’

‘I don’t want to say too much because I don’t want him to change it! I don’t want him to make it better, so I would rather not just say the things that I see that he makes mistakes.’

Both boxers have also denied rumours of leaving boxing in the event either of them loses the December 7 match.