Come Sunday morning, Britain could have a unified world heavyweight champion again. But has Anthony Joshua found his bogey man in the form of Andy Ruiz Jr?
We’re just days away from the most important week of Joshua’s career to date – and a significant fight in the future of heavyweight boxing.
Back in June, ‘AJ’ lost the WBA, WBO and IBF titles – and his undefeated record – in a shock defeat by Ruiz Jr in New York.
The rematch takes place in Saudi Arabia on Saturday.
Joshua says he knows what to do this time…
But don’t forget Joshua won a world title in just his 16th professional fight and has stopped 21 opponents in his 22 wins. Not everyone is writing him off…
The two men sitting at the top of Ring Magazine’s heavyweight rankings don’t fancy Joshua’s chances.
WBC world champion Deontay Wilder told Sky Sports Ruiz Jr will “win easily”.
And former world champion Tyson Fury went one step further, saying ‘AJ’ will not only lose but could then retire.
“If he gets knocked out twice in a row, I can’t see him continuing,” Fury told the True Geordie Podcast.
Sitting opposite Ruiz Jr in Sky Sports’ Gloves Are Off preview, Joshua responded to those calling for his retirement, saying: “You didn’t tell me to get in the gym so who are you to tell me to get out of the gym?
“I’ll fight until I’m 50. I fight because I love the game.”
