Las Vegas Review-Journal (Sunday)
Weighty decision: Joshua beats Ruiz to regain titles
RIYADH, Saudi Arabia — Anthony Joshua jumped up and down in the ring with his massive entourage, celebrating being around $70 million richer and having three world heavyweight belts back in his possession.
For the British boxing superstar, it was well worth this trip to Saudi Arabia.
In the first heavyweight title fight to be held in the Middle East, Joshua toyed with an out-of-shape Andy
Ruiz Jr. over 12 unspectacular rounds to win a unanimous decision, reclaim the WBA, WBO and IBF belts and avenge a stunning upset by his Mexican-American opponent six months ago.
Joshua got his game plan spot on, using his lighter frame to outmaneuver Ruiz and selecting his moments to go on the attack.
In the final seconds of a bout fought in the early hours of Sunday in a relatively cool 66 degrees Fahrenheit for this part of the world, Joshua was almost running around the ring and Ruiz — exhausted and outfought — was planted in the middle, urging him to come closer.
“I am used to knocking people out,” Joshua said, “but last time I got hurt so I gave the man his credit. I said I would correct myself again.”
Two judges gave the fight to the Briton 119-110, and the other awarded it to him 119-109.
Ruiz, who weighed in at 283 pounds to be the second-heaviest boxer to fight for a world heavyweight title, had no complaints.
“He boxed me around,” Ruiz said, acknowledging that he came in too heavy after putting on 15 pounds since the first fight.
“I didn’t prepare how I should have. I gained too much weight. I don’t want to give excuses, he won. … If we do a third fight, you best believe I’m going to get in shape. I’ll be in the best shape of my life.”
Whether Joshua agrees to that remains to be seen. There is no rematch clause this time round and Ruiz, short with quick hands, is an awkward opponent.