Anthony Joshua is just one day away from his career-defining heavyweight showdown against Andy Ruiz Jr in Saudi Arabia.
The Brit was put down four times in New York as he was stopped by Mexican-American Ruiz Jr and stripped of his WBA, IBF and WBO belts in one of the biggest upsets in boxing history.
While fans around the world wanted Joshua to fight Deontay Wilder or Tyson Fury next, his first defeat as a professional has blown the showpiece division wide open and he simply must win his belts back this weekend.
When is Anthony Joshua vs Andy Ruiz Jr 2?
The Joshua vs Ruiz Jr rematch will be held on Saturday, December 7 in Diriyah, Saudi Arabia in a custom-built 15,000-seater venue, The Diriyah Arena.
While Cardiff’s 80,000 capacity Principality Stadium was the preferred option, Ruiz Jr made it clear he would not travel to the UK – throwing the rematch into doubt.
But Eddie Hearn and co have settled on Saudi Arabia with the bout being promoted as the ‘Clash on the Dunes’.
Inside the 15,000 purpose-built Diriyah Arena hosting Anthony Joshua vs Andy Ruiz 2 as Saudi Arabia aims to become major sporting destination
What time is Joshua vs Ruiz Jr 2 expected to start?
It is dependent on the undercard but Joshua and Ruiz are due to begin their ring walks at approximately 8.30-8.45pm UK time, brodcasters Sky have confirmed. That be 11.30-11.45pm in Saudi Arabia.
The fight is scheduled to start at 9pm.
How can I watch Joshua vs Ruiz 2?
The fight will be shown live on Sky Sports Box Office (channel 491 for SD, channel 492 for HD), at a cost of £24.95.
You can live stream the fight for the same price on your computer, mobile and tablet devices.
Sky Sports Boxing Facebook and YouTube channels will be showing an hour of build-up – including Mahammadrasul Majidov vs Tom Little – for FREE from 4pm. Sky’s Box Office official broadcast will then begin from 5pm UK time.
The fight night will also be available for purchase through NOW TV, also at a price of £24.95.
In the US, it will be shown live on DAZN. You can stream through various platforms, including Chromecast, iOS, Android, Playstation 4 and Xbox One. A one-month DAZN subscription will cost $19.99.
Who is on the undercard?
These are the fights that have been confirmed by Matchroom (12 rounds unless stated):
- Andy Ruiz Jr vs Anthony Joshua (WBA Super, IBF, WBO, IBO world heavyweight titles)
- Alexander Povetkin vs Michael Hunter (heavyweight)
- Dillian Whyte vs Mariusz Wach (WBC interim heavyweight title – 10 rounds)
- Filip Hrgovic vs Eric Molina (WBC international heavyweight title)
- Mahammadrasul Majidov vs Tom Little (heavyweight – 8 rounds)
- Diego Pacheco vs Selemani Saidi (middleweight – 4 rounds)
- Hopey Price vs Swedi Mohamed (super-bantamweight – 4 rounds)
- Majid Al Naqbi vs Ilia Beruashvili (lightweight – 4 rounds)
- Zuhayr Al Qahtani vs Omar Dusary (WBC Middle East lightweight championship – 4 rounds)
How much are Joshua and Ruiz being paid?
Joshua is set for one of the biggest ever paydays in boxing history.
The 30-year-old is expected to receive anywhere between £45m and £60m for his night’s work.
The Saudi Arabian authorities have paid a fortune to host the fight – over £30m – while sponsorship, broadcasting rights and box office receipts will add to AJ’s earnings.
The pay packet will more than double AJ’s net worth to over £100m.
Ruiz Jr, meanwhile, is also set for a career high payday. He is expected to bank around $13m (£10m).
What have the fighters said?
Speaking at the final press conference ahead of the fight, on Wednesday, Joshua said he is determined to regain his crown.
“It is interesting to be on this side of the table, but in my 16th fight I challenged for the world title and I am challenging for the world title again,” he said.
“I call it back to my 16th fight. I’m hungry, determined and focused on the goal.
“There is no fear in my heart. No fear in my eyes and I’m really looking forward to putting on a show.”
Ruiz, meanwhile, is every bit as hungry to remain world heavyweight champion.
He said: “I made my dreams come true and made history. I appreciate the supporters I have. I was surprised by how many fans I have here. I’m ready to rock and roll.
“I know AJ will come with a different game plan and is prepared and more motivated. I know he will try to box me around, but it’s my job to prevent that.
“I don’t want to let these beautiful belts go away. I will die trying and do anything that is possible to get that victory.”
What belts are on the line?
The WBA (Super), IBF, IBO and WBO world heavyweight belts. The WBC belt is currently held by Deontay Wilder.
Reclaiming his lost titles, though, will not be anything special to AJ, who said: “It’s because I know I belong there, so it’s not special as I know what I’m capable of doing.
“So when I regain those belts I’m probably just going to keep cool and stay focused because it’s not a time to celebrate, it’s a time to keep that challenging mindset and move on to the next target.
“One by one I’m picking them off and Ruiz is just the next one.”
Joshua vs Ruiz 2: Tale of the tape
Joshua – Ruiz Jr
Nationality: British – American/Mexican
Age: 30 – 30
Height: 6ft 6 – 6ft 2
Stance: Orthodox – Orthodox
Reach: 82 in – 74 in
Record: 22-1-0 – 33-1-0
KOs: 21 – 22
Rounds: 91 – 151
Debut: 5/10/2013 – 28/03/2009
Nickname: AJ – Destroyer
