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‘WHEN I BEAT HIM I WANT EVERYBODY TO BOW TO MY FEET’ – Anthony Joshua on Andy Ruiz & Deontay Wilder

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Anthony Joshua reclaims his heavyweight throne with a clinical masterclass against Andy Ruiz Jr. in the Saudi desert.

Anthony Joshua reclaimed the WBA, IBF, and WBO heavyweight titles on December 7, 2019, by soundly defeating Andy Ruiz Jr. in the “Clash on the Dunes” at Diriyah Arena. After suffering a shocking seventh-round technical knockout loss to Ruiz at Madison Square Garden just six months prior, Joshua executed a disciplined, tactical game plan that neutralized the Mexican-American fighter’s inside-fighting style.

• Joshua won via unanimous decision with judges’ scorecards of 119-109, 118-110, and 118-110.
• The fight was staged in a purpose-built 15,000-seat outdoor arena, marking the first heavyweight title bout ever held in the Middle East.
• Joshua entered the rematch with a clear objective, famously declaring, “When I beat him, I want everybody to bow to my feet.”

The Tactical Execution

Joshua utilized his superior reach and footwork to control the center of the ring, refusing to get drawn into the type of brawl that cost him his undefeated record in New York. By staying disciplined behind a stiff, consistent jab, Joshua forced Ruiz to chase him, preventing the heavyweight challenger from effectively closing the distance. Ruiz struggled throughout the 12 rounds, later admitting he was significantly overweight and underprepared for the tactical demands of the rematch.

When I beat him, I want everybody to bow to my feet.

A Shift in the Heavyweight Landscape

The win successfully avenged the only defeat on Joshua’s professional record and effectively silenced critics who questioned his status as the division’s premier fighter. The victory fundamentally changed the power balance in the heavyweight hierarchy, moving Joshua past the uncertainty that followed his June loss. The win immediately reignited public discourse regarding a long-awaited unification bout against WBC heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder.

Joshua is now set to address his mandatory obligations, starting with the IBF’s requirement to face Kubrat Pulev, though the path toward a heavyweight undisputed showdown with Deontay Wilder remains the ultimate goal for his team.