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Home » Anthony Joshua open to must-win Andy Ruiz Jr. rematch in New York

Anthony Joshua open to must-win Andy Ruiz Jr. rematch in New York

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  • 2 min read

Anthony Joshua is open to a New York return with Andy Ruiz despite suffering a shocking upset to the Mexican-American at Madison Square Garden.

‘AJ’ lost his first appearance on American soil in devastating fashion on June 1st. The Briton has since offered no excuses for his poor showing.

In a bid to regain the four title belts he surrendered to Ruiz, Joshua has invoked the rematch clause. November or December are slated as the dates in question.

Venues being touted are Cardiff’s Principality (formerly Millenium) Stadium, with The O2 and Manchester Arena both options as Wembley is off the menu at that time of year.

After receiving a warm welcome in New York City, Joshua would have no problem taking on Ruiz again at the scene of the first meeting.

“Within our contract when we were negotiating we had some clauses, as you do. So we added like a rematch clause, date and location, and so on,” explained Joshua.

“I wouldn’t mind if the fight was in New York again. I wouldn’t mind if it was in England. I’m stopping off in New York and I’ll come back home, so I’d love it to be in England as well.

“But New York, man. They opened their arms up to me and my whole team. Madison Square Garden, even though it didn’t go my way. What an undercard. The history that was created.

“I’m still speechless. It was an amazing night altogether.”


BRIEF

Joshua also fired a warning to Ruiz prior to the return. The 29 year-old told his rival to enjoy what will be a brief spell as a unified champion.

“Congratulations to Andy Ruiz. He has six months to be a champion. Because the belts go in the air and he’s going to have to defend against me.”

On anything untoward happening during the pre-fight rituals, the 2012 Olympic gold medallist concluded: “I was in The (New York) Nicks changing room. I had no panic attack, you know me. And that’s why I keep saying I have to take my loss like a man.

“No blaming anyone and no blaming anything. I’m the one who went in there to perform and my performance didn’t go to plan. My gameplan didn’t go to plan.

“I have to kind of re-adjust, analyze, and do my best to correct it. Get the job done in the rematch.”