Former unified Heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua (22-1, 21 KOs) didn’t just lose his titles to Andy Ruiz (33-1, 22 KOs) back on June 1, 2019, he was dominated.
Ruiz pulled off one of the biggest upsets in boxing history with his seventh-round knockout win. That isn’t hyperbole either.
Joshua will now get his chance to win those titles back as he and Ruiz will run it back one more time. There has been plenty of back and forth discussions as to where exactly this contest would take place. Joshua was adamant about bringing the fight to his home turf of Britain. Ruiz on the other hand, wanted it back on American soil. Neither man got their wish.
On December 7, 2019, the rematch will take place in Saudi Arabia. Not exactly the site the fans were expecting, but nonetheless the hype behind this fight will be through the roof.
Joshua was never supposed to be in this position. Mega fights against WBC champion Deontay Wilder and Lineal champ Tyson Fury were supposed to be on the horizon. Those fights have been derailed. At least for now.
A win for Joshua in the rematch will place him right back on track for big fights going down the road. Another defeat however, will place his career in limbo.
The fans that will pack the house at the reported outdoor stadium where this contest will take place are in for a show. According to multiple reports, although Joshua’s handlers wanted the fight in England, Joshua was fixated on having the rematch take place at the same place where he suffered his first defeat, Madison Square Garden, in New York City.
As of now, the venue does not play a big part in this contest. We all officially have a date as to when this Heavyweight showdown will unfold.
This is Joshua’s make-or-break moment. He folded under the pressure once before. This time around, he can’t afford to not be at his best.
