RUIZ AND JOSHUA TAKE CENTER STAGE FOR FINAL PRESS CONFERENCE AHEAD OF SATURDAY’S REMATCH

RUIZ AND JOSHUA TAKE CENTER STAGE FOR FINAL PRESS CONFERENCE AHEAD OF SATURDAY’S REMATCH

Andy Ruiz, Jr. and Anthony Joshua OBE addressed the media for the final time ahead of their Saturday rematch, a fight that has been lauded as the most significant heavyweight title fight in more than a decade.Ruiz vs. Joshua 2 will take place this Saturday in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia at a purpose-built arena with an expected sold-out crowd of more than 15,000 fans. The fight is available exclusively on DAZN in the United States with the main card beginning at 12 p.m. ET and the main event expected to commence shortly after 3:30 p.m. ET.

The rematch is a result of the shocking upset in June by Ruiz (33-1, 22 KOs) who became the first professional fighter to ever best Joshua (22-1, 21 KOs) after taking the fight on just five weeks’ notice. Their first fight is leading contender for 2019 ‘Fight of the Year’ honors for the unexpected drama that unfolded at Madison Square Garden. Ruiz’s IBF, WBA and WBO world heavyweight titles are at stake when the two men enter the ring this Saturday.

Fans in the United States can sign up for a full year of DAZN for the low price of $99.99 to catch Ruiz vs. Joshua 2 and a highly-anticipated 2020 boxing schedule, or $20 for an action-packed December which also includes Daniel Jacobs vs. Julio Cesar Chavez, Jr. on Dec. 20.

Quotes from Today’s Press Conference

Andy Ruiz, current unified heavyweight world champion

On being prepared for Saturday: “It’s been a long three months of camp. I’ve been training really hard for this fight. Like June 1, I made history, and I think the importance is to remake history on Dec. 7 in Saudi Arabia. Not much to say, but I’m ready to rock and roll, I know AJ is going to come in with a different game plan. I know he’s prepared, motivated, being more cautious – I know he’s going to try and box me around. My job is to prepare for whatever comes my way.”

On whether he is motivated: “Of course, I don’t want these beautiful belts to go away. Remember I’ve been doing this since I was six, it’s finally paying off, and no way I’m going let these belts go. I’m going to die trying, and do anything that’s possible to get that victory. It’s been a long journey, long roller coaster in my life, and no way I’m going to let these go Dec. 7. Let the best man win.”

Anthony Joshua, former unified heavyweight world champion

On this being a great opportunity: “It’s interesting to be on this side of the table, as you said in my 16th fight, I challenged for the world title, challenged for the title again with Klitschko, then Parker, and now I’m challenging again, so this is my fourth title challenge in a short space of time. I’m used to being in this position, and even when you’re champion, I think Andy being a respected heavyweight he knows you have to have the challenge and mindset. All these quotes that these fighters come up with is reality, challenger mindset. I’ve said that previously when I had the belts around my waist. Now I’m speaking this into existence, this is my challenge and mindset. So I’m going back to my 16th fight, focused and determined on the goal.”

On feeling less pressure without the belts: “I’ve been boxing a while now, and when I came into boxing I didn’t really come to take part, I came to take over. I came with full force, fully committed. The focus has already been there, but never had a chance to reflect. It was European Championships, Olympics Championships, British Title, World Championships. I’m not here to put on show I’m here to win. I’ve been around the block for a short space of time, so you have to understand I’m experienced and know what I’m doing. Through reflection in my own time, me and Andy are very different, but like everyone in this room we have time. I just have to use my time and as soon as I got back from New York I got that commitment back, got into shape, I didn’t lose any heart, didn’t lose any fire in my belly, started hitting the heavy bag, preparing for this day. I’m actually really looking forward to it. No fear in my heart, no fear in my eyes. I’m just looking forward to putting on a show, and I’m confident.”

On how special a win will be: “I was asked if this will be a special moment and I said no because I know I belong there. It’s not special, I’ve been there, I know what I’m doing. When I regain those belts I will probably keep calm and stay focused. It’s not a time to celebrate, it’s time to keep that challenge, mindset and find the next target, so one by one I’m picking them off. I’ve been doing that since I started boxing and Ruiz is just my next target on my list.”

On fighting in Saudi Arabia: “This the Mecca of boxing I’m hearing. The real Mecca of boxing. I’m going to turn this into something special, a real event. As you can see we have put together a great undercard and a great show. I went to the venue, its perfect, perfectly designed, said my prayers, I took time to really embrace what’s going to happen Saturday. I’m just going in with confidence, and I want everyone to have that same confidence and have a great time.”

Photo Credit: Mark Robinson/Matchroom Boxing