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Joshua: I don’t have any fear of Ruiz

Joshua faces Ruiz Jr in a blockbuster rematch in Saudi Arabia on December 7

Anthony Joshua insists he is not afraid ahead of his rematch with Andy Ruiz Jr Credit: Matchroom Boxing
Anthony Joshua insists he is not afraid ahead of his rematch with Andy Ruiz Jr Credit: Matchroom Boxing

Anthony Joshua insists he has no “fear” as he draws nearer to his colossal Heavyweight World title rematch with Andy Ruiz Jr at the Diriyah Arena in Saudi Arabia on Saturday December 7, shown live on Sky Sports Box Office in the UK and DAZN in the US.

Joshua was in a fiery mood as he looks to avenge the first defeat of his professional career at Madison Square Garden in New York on June 1 and be crowned a two-time Heavyweight World Champion by winning back his IBF, WBA, WBO and IBO crowns in the ‘Clash on the Dunes’.

Rob McCracken will have to produce a gameplan to topple Ruiz Jr Credit: Matchroom Boxing
Rob McCracken will have to produce a gameplan to topple Ruiz Jr Credit: Matchroom Boxing

“I’m fighting the best man in the world now. I’m going to whup him, and show how great I am.

“They think he’s so great, so when I beat him I want everybody to bow to my feet and tell me how great I am.

“I couldn’t beat Ruiz Jr before and get the credit I deserved.

“You saw me in the ring [before the fight] – I wasn’t fighting King Kong, was I? [I didn’t have] that mindset.

Joshua was in high spirits as he finished off his training camp in Sheffield Credit: Matchroom Boxing
Joshua was in high spirits as he finished off his training camp in Sheffield Credit: Matchroom Boxing

“Apparently I’m fighting the quickest hands and the best fighter in the division. So once I beat him I want everybody to bow to me.

“It’s a restart, that’s the best way of explaining it.

“We’ve had plenty of time to prepare for the rematch, I’ve always had the challenger mindset.

“I’m in for a tough fight but I don’t have any fear of Andy. I’m not gun-shy, I’m ready to swing and trade.”

AJ has landed in Saudi Arabia ahead of his colossal rematch Credit: Diriyah Season
AJ has landed in Saudi Arabia ahead of his colossal rematch Credit: Diriyah Season