Page 22 - ARUBA TODAY

A22 SPORTS
Friday 6 december 2019
New dawn for boxing as Ruiz, Joshua set for Saudi rematch

By STEVE DOUGLAS something Joshua says he cue his career after being He says he is likely to weigh adding that he “didn’t
AP Sports Writer did before the first fight. knocked down four times in on Friday at about 238 lose heart or any fire in my
The thick, sparkling ring “There’s no way I’m going before the seventh-round pounds (108 kilograms), belly” after getting beaten
on his right hand and the to let these belts go,” Ruiz stoppage in New York. which would be the light- by Ruiz for the first loss of his
diamond-studded watch said, looking at the WBO, The first ever heavyweight est he has fought since professional career.
around his left wrist were in- WBA and IBF straps in front title fight in the Middle 2014, and has been con- “There’s no fear in my
dications of just how much heart, no fear in my mind,”
life has changed for Andy he said. “I was asked if this
Ruiz Jr. since he became would be a special mo-
world heavyweight cham- ment (to regain his belts). I
pion. said, ‘No.’ I know I belong
It was another part of his there. It’s not special. When
attire that really stood out, I regain those belts, I’m
however, when the portly probably just going to keep
Mexican came face to cool and stay focused. It’s
face with Anthony Joshua not a time to celebrate.”
for one of the last times be- The fight will take place in
fore their title rematch in the Diriyah Arena, a pur-
Saudi Arabia on Saturday. pose-built venue with a
For the final news confer- capacity of 15,000 specta-
ence ahead of the fight, tors that has been built in
Ruiz chose to wear a New six weeks and will be taken
York Knicks jersey — yet down within two days of
another reminder to Josh- the bout.
ua of that fateful night at No stranger to hyperbole,
Madison Square Garden in Joshua’s ambitious pro-
June when he lost his three moter, Eddie Hearn, is com-
heavyweight belts in one paring the occasion to the
of boxing’s biggest shocks “Rumble in the Jungle” and
in years. the “Thrilla in Manila” — two
“That’s where I got the famous heavyweight fights
first victory on June 1 and from the 1970s which were
that’s why I brought it,” Ruiz held in unlikely global loca-
said, referring to his jersey. tions. And he is calling it a
“I wore it to remind myself, “new dawn for the sport of
‘I’m the champ.’” boxing,” predicting many
And Ruiz has really made more high-profile fights in
the most of his new status this part of the world. With
over the last five months. Joshua earning as much as
One of his first acts was to a reported $70 million and
buy a car for his mother, Fe- Ruiz reportedly $10 million,
licitas, and he also showed the attraction for fighters is
off his lavish new home in obvious.
California, replete with its Joshua isn’t sure what type
fountain and pool, on his of atmosphere he’ll be
social media accounts. fighting in, although it is
He had an audience with unlikely to be anything like
Mexico’s president, Andres the raucous occasions he is
Manuel Lopez Obrador, used to in Britain. Not that
and threw the ceremonial he cares, given the precari-
first pitch at a Los Angeles ous situation his career is in.
Dodgers game. “I’m not here to put on a
Basically doing things he show,” Joshua said, sound-
could never have imag- ing all business. “I’m here to
ined when he used to mix win.”
cement for his father, An- In this Saturday, June 1, 2019 file photo, Mexican American Andy Ruiz celebrates after stopping Ruiz, reveling in his status as
dres, as a youngster and, Britain’s Anthony Joshua during the seventh round of a heavyweight championship boxing match the first fighter of Mexican
as recently as 2017, went in New York. descent to win a heavy-
a whole year without even Associated Press weight title, has no inten-
fighting following a loss to tion of letting that happen.
Joseph Parker in his only “I know AJ’s going to come
previous world title bout. of him. “I’m going to die try- East, somewhat controver- centrating on sparring and with a different game
He was disregarded as a ing. It’s been a roller coaster sially arranged amid con- the “sweet science of the plan, I know he is prepared
potential champion then, but now I’ve finally made it cerns over Saudi Arabia’s sport” instead of bulking up and motivated,” he said.
mocked for his flabby all this way, there’s no way human-rights record, has and doing weights. “That’s what gives me the
frame even though his fast I’m going to let them go.” been called the “Clash on He has even grown his hair motivation, the edge to be
hands and skills pointed to Ruiz knows he will be up the Dunes.” As for Joshua, into an Afro, as if he was more cautious. I know he
a boxer with talent. against a different Joshua he’s labeling it “Back to 16” boxing “in the ‘70s.” lost weight, is going to try to
Ruiz is at pains to point out, this time around. A more — a reference to his 16th “I’m punching like a horse box me around. It’s my job
though, that he is simply focused and determined professional fight when he kicking back right now … to prevent that. I’m ready
enjoying his life and not Joshua, who knows he is became world champion loose and heavy, rhythm for whatever comes my
taking his eye off the ball — suddenly fighting to res- for the first time. and flow,” said Joshua, way.”q