On Saturday, Anthony Joshua looks to regain the IBF, WBA (super) and WBO heavyweight titles when he locks back up against Andy Ruiz Jr. from Diriyah Arena in Diriyah, Saudi Arabia.
Before two of the best heavyweights in the world sling the leather one more time, they met the media on Wednesday for a final press conference.
Back in June, Ruiz (33-1, 22 KOs) stepped up to the plate on five weeks' notice to score four knockdowns, including the last two in the seventh round to claim one of the biggest upsets in boxing history. The 30-year-old Ruiz entered the ring as a 15-1 underdog and left the squared circle as the first fighter of Mexican descent to become heavyweight champion of the world.
Joshua invoked the rematch clause for another meeting with Ruiz, and now the two are set to face each other in one of the most highly anticipated boxing events of the year.
When asked if he had extra hunger for this fight, now that he’s the challenger instead of the champion, Joshua said, “I’ve been boxing awhile now. When I came into boxing I didn’t really come to take part, I came to take over. I came with full force, fully committed. The focus has always been there, but I never had a chance to reflect. … I’m not here to put on a show, I’m just here to win.”
Addressing what's to come on Saturday, Ruiz said, “I know (Joshua) lost weight, I know he’s going to try to box me around. But it’s just my job to prevent that. I’m ready for whatever comes my way, and I’m ready to rock and roll.”
You can watch the Ruiz-Joshua face-off below, and the full press conference at the top of the article.