Anthony Joshua wants rematch against Andy Ruiz Jr after New York defeat

A gutted Anthony Joshua has targeted a rematch with Andy Ruiz Jr after losing his IBF, WBA and WBO heavyweight titles in New York's Madison Square Garden on Saturday night.
Anthony Joshua in troubleAnthony Joshua in trouble
Anthony Joshua in trouble

On his US debut Joshua suffered four knockdowns in what became a one-sided upset.

He was eventually rescued in the seventh round by referee Mike Griffin.

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The 29-year-old had established himself as the world's leading heavyweight by retiring Wladimir Klitschko in 2017, but so unexpected a defeat has damaged his reputation, contributing to his desire for a rematch in the winter.

John Ruiz Jr celebratesJohn Ruiz Jr celebrates
John Ruiz Jr celebrates

"Look out for the end of the year, and what's next," said Joshua..

"It's an upset, it's unexpected. I was the favourite. One shot hit me on the top of the dome and rattled me a bit. I tried to stay in there a few more rounds but the better man won.

"I don't underestimate anyone. He's a decent puncher, a decent fighter. He was the better man.

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"I'll tidy up, brush off the cobwebs and go again. But it's a minor setback.

Anthony Joshua in troubleAnthony Joshua in trouble
Anthony Joshua in trouble

"Trust me, where I was at in life, I've dealt with more s*** than this, with some real big losses, and bounced back.

"If I was to look at my setbacks back then then I would have been f*****. I didn't. I kept my head strong, fought like a champion, and bounced back.

"I didn't even ask about a rematch clause because I was so confident I was going to win. If it's there, we'll go again and I'll get the titles back. I'm going to beat him up.

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"I'm not dwelling on it. You just correct it, you adjust, you sit down, you focus and you go again."

Joshua also revealed that he had also already spoken to his mother Yeta Odusanya, and his father Robert, who had given him some advice.

"My dad's upset, which is a natural reaction; my mum's cool, she doesn't come to the boxing and separates it," he said.

"Everyone's in good spirits; losing isn't a good night but it's something we can learn from.

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"My dad said 'Tighten up and get smart; when things are going good nothing's going wrong, then something bad happens, you realise'."

Joshua's promoter Eddie Hearn, who had previously secured the now-suspended Jarrell Miller as his opponent, also revealed that the UK is the likeliest venue for the rematch that can be expected to follow.

"We didn't know what was coming next, in November, December, now we do," he said. "But there's a lot of pressure on that fight; the rematch is huge.

"For me, it should be the UK, but we'll sit down as a team and look at everything.

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"I know it didn't go our way but we said we wanted to create a night that people would remember for a long time; unfortunately they'll remember it for a shock defeat and an incredible night of boxing.

"But that's okay; revenge will be sweet and I believe he'll get it."

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