Anthony Joshua (23-1, 21 KOs) won back the WBO, WBA, and IBF heavyweight titles from the man who scored a shocking knockout of him earlier this year, Andy Ruiz Jr (33-2, 22 KOs). The Englishman’s jab, footwork, and well-timed power shots kept Ruiz at bay and minimized the opportunities for Andy to engage in fiery exchanges and whack him with hard shots on the inside.
Was it the most exciting fight you’ll ever see? Nope, but it wasn’t totally devoid of action. Joshua is known as a knockout artist but we got to see a different side to his game, obviously as a result of losing to Andy earlier in the year. He outboxed Ruiz thoroughly and didn’t wilt whenever he did get hit cleanly. As for Andy, he may regret the weight gain and going into training camp for this fight much later than his team wanted.
Here’s how Twitter reacted to the contest.
AJ looks nervous.
— michael (@bisping) December 7, 2019
I don’t know about you guys, but Andy doesn’t look a pound over 283.5 to me.
— Kevin Iole (@KevinI) December 7, 2019
Atmosphere in Saudia Arabia for fights. #RuizJoshua2 pic.twitter.com/hDJGDAZKNi
— Chamatkar Sandhu (@SandhuMMA) December 7, 2019
Sweet Caroline is the most embarrassing song played at sporting events.
— Max Kellerman (@maxkellerman) December 7, 2019
Pumped for this rematch! #RuizJoshua2
— The Diamond (@DustinPoirier) December 7, 2019
Heeeeeeere we go! @DAZN_USA @MatchroomBoxing @Andy_destroyer1 @anthonyfjoshua #RuizJoshua2
— Frank Mir (@thefrankmir) December 7, 2019
I got Joshua. Who y’all got!? #Vickspicks #RuizJoshua2
— James Vick (@JamesVickMMA) December 7, 2019
Big fight feel right now watching the Mexican national anthem lol
— Michael Conlan (@mickconlan11) December 7, 2019
Ruiz cut in a bad spot! #boxing #RuizJoshua2
— Raging Babe (@RagingBabe) December 7, 2019
Wow. Cut him open with the first right hand. 10-9 Joshua
— michael (@bisping) December 7, 2019
Joshua looks sharp in the first. Snappy, accurate, mostly linear punches. Popped Ruiz’s head back several times. The champ is already cut.
— Luke Thomas (@lthomasnews) December 7, 2019
Damn!! Cut in the first round! That’s tough to deal with
— Jimmy Smith (@jimmysmithmma) December 7, 2019
I think Ruiz is the kind of fighter that needs to get hit a bit before turning it on. Joshua is a better boxer, Ruiz needs to make it a brawl
— Chris Camozzi (@ChrisCamozzi) December 7, 2019
Joshua cut above the eye too. Both fighters leaking. #boxing #RuizJoshua2
— Raging Babe (@RagingBabe) December 7, 2019
AJ looking very good! #RuizJoshua2
— Michael Conlan (@mickconlan11) December 7, 2019
Weird what a 6’6” fighter can accomplish when they stay behind the jab
— Jimmy Smith (@jimmysmithmma) December 7, 2019
HUGE RIGHT FROM RUIZ!! And two more rabbit punches for good measure. He finally grabs a round on my card. 3-1, AJ #RuizJoshua2
— Mike Coppinger (@MikeCoppinger) December 7, 2019
Ruiz better start thinking about taking some more risks. His skin might not hold up through 12 rounds at this rate.
— adam abramowitz (@snboxing) December 7, 2019
ANDY. NEEDS. TO. THROW.
— Kevin Iole (@KevinI) December 7, 2019
Beautiful jab work from AJ
— michael (@bisping) December 7, 2019
Ruiz just landed a great shot! 8th #RuizJoshua2 @DAZN_USA @daznglobal #boxing
— Rosie Perez (@rosieperezbklyn) December 7, 2019
Change in plot Round 8. Joshua forgetting game plan. Ruiz wins his first round
— Ian Darke (@IanDarke) December 7, 2019
I have it 6-2 for AJ. Thoughts? #RuizJoshua2
— Joe Ellenberger (@JoeEllenberger) December 7, 2019
I’m impressed with Joshua’s boxing, but most of all, his composure. #boxing #RuizJoshua2
— Raging Babe (@RagingBabe) December 7, 2019
Mora: “do not punch in between with a faster fighter” ♂️
You do know you can beat a “faster” fighter with timing right? Watch the Khan Garcia fight…#RuizJoshua2
— Jamel Herring (@JamelHerring) December 7, 2019
Ruiz just isnt generating enough offense. Spent too much of this fight waiting.
— adam abramowitz (@snboxing) December 7, 2019
He’s running more than mayweather,AJ’s a shit bag
— Mike Wilkinson (@M_WilkinsonMMA) December 7, 2019
Joshua might win, but there isn’t a doubt in my mind Wilder KOs him inside the distance if/when the fight is made.
— Luke Thomas (@lthomasnews) December 7, 2019
Championship rounds. 6 minutes left for revenge or repeat #RuizJoshua2 #ClashOnTheDunes @DAZN_USA @MatchroomBoxing
— Frank Mir (@thefrankmir) December 7, 2019
Almost flawless percent AJ. Keep it up for one more round and he wins!
— michael (@bisping) December 7, 2019
Great performance by Joshua #RuizJoshua2
— James Vick (@JamesVickMMA) December 7, 2019
DAZN execs, sitting in a pile of sweat, go back to the office breathing easier and will all go on a vacation after this
— Fistianados Podcast (@Fistianadospod) December 7, 2019
I’d like to see @anthonyfjoshua vs @AKbabyface next.
— Chris Camozzi (@ChrisCamozzi) December 7, 2019
Joshua boxed really well , good consistent movement didn’t get cAught up in a fire fight and stayed disciplined. Ruiz lost but he won millions of dollars… so he won
— Brian Kelleher (@brianboom135) December 7, 2019
Congrats to @anthonyfjoshua on extremely impressive boxing masterclass #AndTheNew #TwoTime #RuizJoshua2 #ClashOnTheDunes
And to @Andy_destroyer1 hold your head high champ. We’re looking forward to seeing you back @DAZN_USA @MatchroomBoxing— Frank Mir (@thefrankmir) December 7, 2019
Wilder stops him.
— The Diamond (@DustinPoirier) December 7, 2019
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