Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images
It may not have been the dramatic revenge tour that boxing fans were hoping for but Anthony Joshua (23-1, 21 KO) still did what he needed to do earlier today (Sat., Dec. 7, 2019) live on DAZN from inside Diriyah Arena in Diriyah, Saudi Arabia, to defeat Andy Ruiz Jr. (33-2, 22 KO) via unanimous decision, get back into the win column after a TKO loss back in June, and reclaim his WBA (Super), IBF, WBO, and IBO heavyweight titles.
Unlike the first encounter between these two heavyweights just six months ago Joshua was able to keep his composure and utilize his long jab from the opening bell. The early pressure by the Englishman led to a flush right hand that opened up a cut above Ruiz’s left eye that bothered him for the rest of the fight.
Ruiz, who tried to come inside whenever the opportunity presented itself, only had a few moments in this fight. The Mexican fighter connected on a few solid counter shots in Rounds 8-10 that seemed to check Joshua, but Joshua’s corner was quick to tell their star pupil to back off and not engage.
The gameplan worked as Joshua was able to dictate the range and pace of the heavyweight title fight, while taking on as little damage as possible. It wasn’t the greatest 12 rounds you’ll ever see, but ultimately proved that Joshua’s size, discipline, and precision are good enough to take out any name at the heavyweight level.
Check out the full fight video highlights below courtesy of DAZN:
@anthonyfjoshua enters the ring as the challenger, by himself.#RuizJoshua2 pic.twitter.com/jZl8ebbAfB
— DAZN USA (@DAZN_USA) December 7, 2019
HERE COMES THE CHAMP, @Andy_destroyer1 #RUIZJOSHUA2 pic.twitter.com/KFyTPon8az
— DAZN USA (@DAZN_USA) December 7, 2019
RUIZ IS CUT. #RuizJoshua2 pic.twitter.com/pGVgdxKIqo
— DAZN USA (@DAZN_USA) December 7, 2019
AJ cuts Ruiz in the first round just above his left eye!
Watch live on Sky Sports Box Office now or follow our live blog below!
— Sky Sports Boxing (@SkySportsBoxing) December 7, 2019
Ruiz is starting to find his rhythm. #RuizJoshua2 pic.twitter.com/E1oJNhPsbe
— DAZN USA (@DAZN_USA) December 7, 2019
Joshua jaws at Ruiz at the end of Round 10 #RuizJoshua2 pic.twitter.com/fJ52G28hSs
— DAZN USA (@DAZN_USA) December 7, 2019
Anthony Joshua and Andy Ruiz hug it out after the fight #RuizJoshua2 pic.twitter.com/MnNCLzNQqm
— DAZN USA (@DAZN_USA) December 7, 2019
#JoshuaRuiz3 ? pic.twitter.com/HF8RBVC5Mg
— DAZN USA (@DAZN_USA) December 7, 2019
For complete ‘Joshua vs. Ruiz 2’ results and coverage click here.