Anthony Joshua Reclaims World Heavyweight Titles In Saudi Arabia

Dominating from the outset, Joshua won by margins of 118-110 on two scorecards with the third judge making it 119-109

Britain's Anthony Joshua reclaimed his world heavyweight crown from Andy Ruiz on Saturday, outclassing the Mexican-American to score a unanimous points victory.

Joshua, who suffered a stunning knockout defeat to Ruiz in New York in June, produced a masterclass to regain his IBF, WBA and WBO titles in emphatic fashion.

Dominating from the outset, Joshua won by margins of 118-110 on two scorecards with the third judge making it 119-109.

Billed as the "Clash on the Dunes", the eagerly anticipated rematch marked the first time a world heavyweight title fight has been staged in Saudi Arabia.

And after entering the purpose built open-air arena at Diriyah, on the outskirts of the Saudi capital, just after midnight, it was Joshua who rose to the occasion with a stylish victory.

The final scores in no way flattered Joshua, who frustrated his heavier opponent with superb movement while picking off Ruiz relentlessly with his jab.

Joshua, badly stung by his defeat to Ruiz at Madison Square Garden, was ecstatic after clinching a one-sided win.

"The first time was so nice, I had to do it twice," Joshua said as he celebrated becoming a two-time world heavyweight champion.

The 2012 Olympic champion revealed he had adapted his style after June's loss to Ruiz, when he got drawn into a slugfest before being floored four times on his way to the first loss of his career.

"I'm used to knocking guys out and last time, I realised that I hurt the man but I got caught coming in," said Joshua, who improved to 23-1, 21 by knockout.

"No excuses, but I said to myself I'm going to correct it and come again."

"I just wanted to put on a great boxing masterclass tonight and also show the sweet science of this lovely sport," Joshua added. "It's about hitting and not getting hit."

'Too much weight': Ruiz

Ruiz had shocked onlookers at Friday's weigh-in by tipping the scales at 283 pounds (128.4 kilograms), fully 15 pounds heavier than his weight in the first fight.

Joshua by contrast came in at 237 pounds, his leaner, less bulky physique allowing him to dance around the ring for 12 rounds to leave Ruiz pawing at shadows.

Ruiz admitted he had prepared poorly for the rematch.

"It was his night man," Ruiz said. "I didn't prepare as I should of. I gained too much weight. But I don't want to make excuses, he won, he bossed me around.

"But if we do a third fight you best believe I'm going to get in the best shape of my life."

Pressed on his excess weight, Ruiz said it had "affected me a lot."

"I thought I was going to feel stronger and feel better, but on my next fight I'm going to get better prepared."

Joshua established his dominance from the opening bell, feinting and changing direction to keep Ruiz at bay while simultaneously scoring with a series of stinging jabs.

A jolting right hand towards the end of the first round opened up a cut above Ruiz's left eye to draw roars from the large contingent of Joshua fans who had travelled to Saudi Arabia for the fight.

The remainder of the fight followed a similar pattern, with Joshua using his superior reach and movement to deny Ruiz any chance of unloading the sort of combinations that set up his win in June.

Finally Ruiz managed to rock Joshua in the eighth, connecting with a stiff combination.

But Joshua showed no signs of lasting damage from the exchange, and quickly settled back into the tactics which had given him a massive lead on all three card.

By the time of the closing rounds, Ruiz needed a knockout to have any chance of victory.

But it was Joshua who finished stronger, landing a solid right on Ruiz in the 12th before dancing away to close out the win.

RECENT NEWS

In Pictures: 2020 EFG Sailing Arabia - The Tour A Success Both On And Off The Water

Oman Sail partnered with DB Schenker to move the eight boats, 31 sailors, and support equipment to five different locati... Read more

Liverpool's Premier League Title Celebrations On Ice After Virus Strikes

Jurgen Klopp's team needed Manchester City to lose to Burnley on Saturday to give them a chance to seal the deal at thei... Read more

Dubai's DP World To Sponsor Renault F1 Team

DP World will become the global logistics partner and title partner of the Renault F1 team Read more

NBA Suspends Season After Player Tests Positive For Covid-19

NBA said it will use this hiatus to determine next steps for moving forward in regard to the coronavirus pandemic Read more

Lewis Hamilton Chases Records As Virus-hit F1 Season Roars Into Life

Mercedes F1 driver Lewis Hamilton has been the dominant force in recent times, winning five of the previous six titles Read more

Maximum Security Owners Cut Ties With Servis Over Drug Scandal

Owner Gary West said Maximum Security, winner of last month's Saudi Cup in Riyadh, the world's richest horse race, would... Read more