Anthony Joshua beats Andy Ruiz in world heavyweight boxing rematch – live!
Our official report is up and running now:
Joshua says this fight was his second favourite in his career. His victory over Klitschko was his No1 due to his respect for his opponent.
Joshua makes a point of thanking the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and members of the royalty after his victory, which will not go down well with those who see this fight as little more than an exercise in sportswashing.
Ruiz grabs the mic and says: “Who wants to see a third fight?” Joshua replies: “If you’ve heard, you’ll see a third.” I take that as a confirmation they’ll go again.
Ruiz admits he was too heavy for the fight. “I was chasing him too much, hesitating too much,” he says.
Joshua speaks:
First of all, I want to thank God. I want to say, man, the first time was so nice, I had to do it twice. A man like me don’t make no excuses, I’m used to knocking out guys. I said to myself I was going to correct myself. The sweet science of this sport is hitting and not getting caught. I’m hungry and I’m humble. Thank you to Andrew Ruiz and his family.
What a disciplined performance from Joshua, who kept his opponent at distance and was barely troubled by Ruiz. He shed 11lbs for the fight, looking for agility and speed over power. And it was that lightness on his feet that won the day.
Anthony Joshua regains his heavyweight titles!
Joshua wins by unanimous decision! The judges had it 118-110, 118-110 and 119-109. The two men hug in the centre of the ring, it’s clear they have tremendous respect for each other as Joshua chats to Ruiz for 30 seconds or so.
Twelfth round
From my viewpoint, Joshua just needs to survive this round. Ruiz gets in close and lands a few blows to Joshua’s body but Joshua counters seconds later with a big, big right. But he knows he doesn’t need the KO and the Briton dances away. Ruiz smiles to himself as he swings away in the final few seconds but they don’t threaten Joshua. He is an all probability, the champion again.
Guardian’s unofficial score: Joshua 10-9 Ruiz (Joshua 118-110 Ruiz)
Eleventh round
Joshua snaps another jab into Ruiz, if he regains the title that jab will be a huge part of his victory. He’s held off his dangerous, shorter opponent so well all night. Ruiz, who is behind on points, has done very little in these last few rounds to go for a finish.
Guardian’s unofficial score: Joshua 10-9 Ruiz (Joshua 108-101 Ruiz)
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