Anthony Joshua is keen on winning his next fight with Andy Ruiz Jr. The two boxers will put on a show this December in Saudi Arabia with the IBF, WBA, and WBO heavyweight titles at stake. Joshua will be the challenger after Ruiz's victory following a technical knockout in the seventh round in June.
During the three-city press tour, Joshua told the press he'll be seeking an "easy fight" should he win his IBF, IBO, WBA, and WBO titles in three months. Asked by reporters if he was going to give Ruiz a rematch, he assured the press that his opponent won't have that chance.
"No. I'm gonna fight some guy from the pub. That's what the heavyweight division does, isn't it?," Joshua said. "I said, 'Why am I fighting all these solid contenders? I'm going to fight an easy fight after that.'"
Joshua was referring to the level competition his rival Tyson Fury had to go through in his past two fights. Tom Schwarz was knocked down by Fury in the second round in the June 15 fight at the MGM in Las Vegas, USA. Fury is set to share the stage with Swedish fighter Otto Wallin at T-Mobile Arena in LV on Saturday.
Joshua's other rival, Deontay Wilder, has chosen a more challenging fight that he should win in order to secure his spot in a rematch with Fury, which is expected to take place next year in February. Before the fight with Wilder, Joshua has to defend his WBC title against Luis Ortez in a rematch come Nov. 23.
Should Joshua succeed in defeating Ruiz, his next target will be Fury or Wilder, or both of them. However, he won't be facing either of the fighters right after facing Ruiz a second time.
Relying on his superior reach and leading with the jab are the best ways for Joshua to stay away from Ruiz Jr's damaging body work. Joshua will also need to be in the right condition to avoid another scrap at close quarters.
Anthony Joshua, not Pettis , has well and truly trimmed down ahead of his rematch with Andy Ruiz Jr. My guess is he wants to be faster and use better footwork in the rematch. 'Showtime' was on the mind as I just rewatched his win over Benson Henderson ️. #boxing pic.twitter.com/2guHBomagJ — Chisanga Malata (@Chisanga_Malata) September 4, 2019
Joshua was adamant that he will fight whoever wants he want to fight next, and not let anyone dictate his decisions:
"That's why when you ask me who I'm fighting next, I'm telling you, I'll fight who I want."
