Never give up, Joshua tells Ruiz Jr after reclaiming his title
Anthony Joshua had classy words for Andy Ruiz Jr after beating him by unanimous decision in their rematch in Saudi Arabia on Saturday night.
In the ring at the end of the contest, the pair embraced and AJ was seen talking in-depth to the man he defeated to regain his world heavyweight titles.
When asked what he told him, Joshua revealed: “I said, ‘Never give up.’
“I just told him to never give up. It’s tough.
“‘You’re a great man, first of all, and you’re a great champion as well.’
“But I told him to never give up and just keep on chasing his dream.
“Boxing’s really tough, but he’s created his own history, he’s created his own legacy. And I created mine tonight.
“I’m glad we could both play a part in each other’s legacy.
“So I just kind of gave him a pat on the back and said, ‘I’m sure I’ll see you again.’”
Deontay Wilder did not have such kind words for Ruiz, as he ripped into him after the defeat.
The WBC heavyweight belt holder said: “People say I have no skills, but my intellect is high enough to know if I’d been in a situation like [Ruiz Jr] and something’s not working, you’ve got to change up my style.
“I’m smart enough to know, cut the f***ing ring off.
“Once you cut the ring off, you put Joshua in a corner and you can have your way with him by hitting him the way you did the first time
“To be in boxing that long and not know how to cut the ring off? If he knew, he didn’t do it, or he didn’t have the intellect. I’m a little upset with him.”
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