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As it happenedended

Anthony Joshua vs Andy Ruiz press conference: Joshua says champion is ‘the best heavyweight out there’ ahead of rematch

Three months before the encounter, the pair fire their verbal salvos in London

Harry Latham-Coyle
Friday 06 September 2019 09:35 EDT
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Anthony Joshua emphatically stated that Andy Ruiz is the “best heavyweight out there” ahead of the pair’s highly anticipated rematch in Saudi Arabia on 7 December.

‘The Clash on the Dunes’ will see Ruiz look to again best Joshua after his shock victory saw him take three title belts from the Englishman, and Ruiz vowed to win in similar fashion in Diriyah.

Three months before the encounter, the pair fired their verbal salvos in London. See how the press conference unfolded below:

Joshua lost his WBA, WBO and IBF world heavyweight titles in one of the most high-profile shocks of the generation when unheralded Andy Ruiz Jr stopped him inside seven unforgettable rounds at New York’s Madison Square Garden on 1 June.

He has since agreed a deal to face Ruiz in an immediate rematch on 7 December in Diriyah, Saudi Arabia and is expected to bank a career-high payday as a result of his decision to box in the desert kingdom.

Ruiz's hat considerably narrows the height differential between the pair, but he is betrayed by the throwing back of his neck to look up into Joshua's eyes. 

An exasperated throw backwards of the head from Joshua as Ruiz strides across to retrieve his many belts.

Harry Latham-Coyle6 September 2019 14:11

And in come the entourage for a group shot with Ruiz's belts draped over his thick forearms. A smile, a hug, and that's all folks...

Harry Latham-Coyle6 September 2019 14:12

A press conference full of thought from both sides. Anthony Joshua spoke nicely on the hard work he is putting in as he looks for revenge, and Andy Ruiz Jr responded to those questioning his motivation with a deeper delve into what drives him in everything that he does. 

Thank you for following along.

Harry Latham-Coyle6 September 2019 14:18

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