HEARN: AJ MAY NEVER COME BACK

Hearn, Joshua’s promoter and Matchroom boss.

“But I know Anthony Joshua’s work ethic. I know that this will burn him inside because he is the ultimate competitor.

“We see him smiling in the ring because he’s genuinely happy for Andy Ruiz, but tomorrow, the day after and the coming weeks, this is going to eat him up bad.

“Great fighters come back and improve. Some never come back the same. The future will show how Anthony responds.”

Hearn (above) will activate the rematch clause in their contract and they could meet again under the roof of Cardiff’s Principality Stadium or Las Vegas in November.

“There is a rematch clause,” he said. “Andy’s just stopped Anthony Joshua, so it’s not a situation where he’s thinking he can’t win the rematch.

“Anthony gave Andy the opportunity, it’s part of the agreement and Andy will believe he can do it again. It’s going to be a thrilling fight.”

Joshua has vowed to avenge his first defeat since losing as an amateur in 2011 at Madison Square Garden and claims he can recover from a setback like Lennox Lewis (circle, top) and Tyson Fury (circle, bottom).

“He’s the champ for now and congratulations to Andy,” he said. “I shall return and I want those belts back.

“My mind and my eyes are still focused on achieving great things in this sport.”

Ruiz has fulfilled his dream of becoming Mexico’s first world heavyweight champion and has no worries about a rematch in the UK. “No, that doesn’t concern me,” he said. “I’m willing to do this any time.”