Joshua’s green light for the Ruiz rematch

ANDY RUIZ is set for a £ 10million payday after Anthony Joshua triggered the immediate rematch clause in his contract in the wake of his astonishing defeat on Saturday.

Sportsmail understands the Mexican, who will face Joshua again in November or December, is in line for around double the purse he netted for one of the greatest upsets in the sport’s history.

The terms were written into the deal ahead of the first fight at Madison Square Garden on Saturday. Under that agreement, Joshua will also call the shots over location for the second bout, contrary to suggestions from Ruiz (right), the new IBF, WBA and WBO champion.

It is possible the fight will take place under the roof at Cardiff ’ s Principality Stadium.

However, if the Joshua team forgo home advantage for the sake of restoring his reputation in the US, Madison Square Garden bosses are keen to stage the second bout after the success of the first bout.

Confirmation that the rematch clause had been triggered came after meetings in New Yo r k between Joshua, his trainer Rob McCracken, promoter Eddie Hearn and the fighter’s management. Hearn tweeted yesterday: ‘After meetings with AJ, Rob Mc and the management team in NY, we have today triggered the contracted rematch clause with Andy Ruiz Jnr. The fight will take place in Nov/Dec at a venue to be confirmed shortly.’ Ruiz has been bullish about his improved negotiating position since inflicting the first defeat of Joshua’s professional career, saying: ‘I have the upper advantage right now.

‘ It really doesn’t matter where (we fight), as long as we get back in the ring and we show the fans what they want to see.

‘I’d love to have it here (New York) or in LA. I have to look at the contract.

‘I’m the champion. I call the shots now. So we’re going to see what happens.’