Anthony Joshua had some kind words for Andy Ruiz Jr after dominating him in a one-sided rematch last Saturday.
Anticipated as a barnburner affair, the revenge-seeking British boxer turned the rematch into a one-man show as he overwhelmed the Mexican-American with his great boxing skills through twelve rounds.
Ruiz Jr’s trademark power and much-improved speed was nowhere to be found as Joshua’s reach advantage came to play while having a jab fest.
Joshua has bounced back from his stunning lost to Ruiz Jr last June – his first defeat in his professional career – as the ringside judges scored 118-110, 118-110, 119-109 for a unanimous decision victory.
With the win, AJ has reclaimed the unified heavyweight titles and his status as a global boxing phenomenon.
He joined the ranks of Muhammad Ali, Lennox Lewis, and Floyd Patterson as the only heavyweights to recapture a world title in a direct rematch.
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History Makers
Following the unanimous decision win, Joshua set aside his rivalry with Ruiz Jr and gave him words of encouragement.
He told the Mexican-American they have both established a legacy in the sport and assured him they will meet again in a future fight.
“I said never give up. It’s tough. You’re a great man first of all. You’re a great champion as well,” he shared, per Metro.
“I told him to never give up and keep chasing your dream, boxing is tough. He’s created his own history, his own legacy.”
“I created mine tonight and I’m glad we could both play a part in each other’s legacies.”
“I gave him a pat on the back and said I’m sure we’ll see you again.”
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Heart Of A Lion
Meanwhile, Ruiz Jr gave credit to Joshua for a ‘good performance’ while admitting he was too complacent ahead of the rematch.
“There is no excuse I learn from my mistakes. I know I will be ready for the next one,” he said, per Boxing Scene.
“The partying and all the stuff got the best of me.”
“I kind of trained on my own. I’m sorry to Manny, I am sorry to my Dad, I should have listened.”
“The only thing he did well as was move around as good as he could, but when I let my hands go I did land.”
“He did a good performance, he boxed me well. I was just following him, I wasn’t doing what I do best.”
“I want to rest, I want to talk to my team, I want to think about my career. I will fight anybody in the game.”
“I’m a danger to anyone, I have the heart of a lion.”
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(Featured Image Source: Instagram/ Andy Ruiz Jr and YouTube/ Seconds Out)