Anthony Joshua tonight takes on Andy Ruiz Jr desperate to win back his world heavyweight titles after his shock first professional defeat earlier this year.
The Briton was stunned in June by Ruiz, an 11-1 underdog who achieved one of the biggest upsets in boxing history by dropping Joshua for a fourth and final time in the seventh round.
They fight in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia this evening on a fight card that also features the likes of heavyweight rivals Dillian Whyte, Alexander Povetkin and Filip Hrgovic. Follow all of the latest coverage below:
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Predictions
Josh Taylor, WBA and IBF world super-lightweight champion
- Jack Rathborn
- 7 December 2019 16:22
Ruiz doubts Joshua’s power resistance after weight loss
“I don’t know if he is going to try to box me around and beat me on points, but I am a good pressure fighter, an attacker, and I am going to be looking for that knockout,” said Ruiz.
“He has lost weight and we don’t know if he will have that same power. I think he will come in confident, but as Mike Tyson always said, everybody has a plan until they get hit.”
- Jack Rathborn
- 7 December 2019 16:21
Predictions
Hasim Rahman, former world heavyweight champion
- Jack Rathborn
- 7 December 2019 16:14
Fight times
Andy Ruiz vs Anthony Joshua (9pm GMT)
Alexander Povetkin vs Michael Hunter (8pm)
Dillian Whyte vs Mariusz Wach (7pm)
Filip Hrgovic vs Eric Molina (6pm)
Mahammadrasul Majidov vs Tom Little (5pm)
Ivan Price vs Swedi Mohamed (4.30pm)
- Jack Rathborn
- 7 December 2019 16:12
Joshua reflects on how he has learned from defeat
“I learned how to take a loss like a man, and to always be grateful for having a second opportunity to go again,” said Joshua. “It affected me, but not in a negative way. It will take more than that to knock a man like me back.
“I’m just another kid who’s got a chance to fight for the heavyweight title. That’s who you’re talking to now. For me it’s not about the rematch, it’s not about Andy. It’s the opportunity of a title shot.”
- Jack Rathborn
- 7 December 2019 16:09
Predictions
Callum Smith – WBC world super-middleweight champion
- Jack Rathborn
- 7 December 2019 16:07
Predictions
Bob Arum
- Jack Rathborn
- 7 December 2019 16:02
5 big questions that will decide outcome of fight
- Can Joshua box on the outside and evade Ruiz’s big shots for 12 rounds?
- Will Ruiz’s extra weight help or hinder him?
- How will AJ react when Ruiz narrows the gap, by getting on his bike or clinching?
- Does Ruiz fear Joshua’s power?
- Is Joshua’s confidence back and able to withstand adversity mid-fight?
- Jack Rathborn
- 7 December 2019 15:54
Weights
Andy Ruiz
- 20st 3lbs (283lbs) on Friday
- 19st 2lbs (268lbs) back in June
Anthony Joshua
- 16st 13lbs (237lbs) on Friday
- 17st 9lbs 12oz (247.8lbs) back in June
- Jack Rathborn
- 7 December 2019 15:45
Expert predictions for Ruiz vs Joshua rematch
- Jack Rathborn
- 7 December 2019 15:10
Ruiz vs Joshua fight preview:
What time are the ring walks?
The ring walks are set for 9.45am in Sydney, Australia (Australian Eastern Daylight Time) on Sunday morning with the fight set to begin at around 10am.
Is there a live stream?
Yes, you can watch a live stream through the Sky Sports Box Office app and website on mobile devices by ordering here.
The NOW TV Smart Stick or your NOW TV box will also allow fans to order the fight.
While US fans can stream the fight through DAZN on various platforms, including Chromecast, iOS, Android, Playstation 4 and Xbox One. A one month subscription will cost $19.99, while a year is available for $99.99.
How else can I follow the fight?
If you’re unable to get in front of a TV, you can follow the fight with live updates in the Indy Sport live blog.
The Main Event and Undercard
- Andy Ruiz vs Anthony Joshua (WBA, IBF, WBO heavyweight world title)
- Alexander Povetkin vs Michael Hunter (heavyweight)
- Dillian Whyte vs Mariusz Wach (WBC interim heavyweight title)
- Filip Hrgovic vs Eric Molina (WBC international heavyweight title)
- Mahammadrasul Majidov vs Tom Little
Odds
Joshua 2/5 (KO: 4/5, Points: 4/1)
Draw: 25/1
Ruiz 2/1 (KO: 5/2, Points: 14/1)
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