WBO Unified Bout: Anthony Joshua Exercises Rematch Clause For Andy Ruiz Jr. Sequel

Anthony Joshua couldn’t have made it any clearer even in the aftermath of his first defeat.

“The vision remains the same,” noted the now former heavyweight champion, whose immediate goal is to reclaim what was once all his.

The 2012 Olympic Gold medalist from England wasted no time in seeking to avenge his lone career defeat, following a shocking 7th round knockout at the hands of Andy Ruiz. Just three days after the loss came the decision to run it back.

“After meetings with Anthony Joshua, (head trainer and former middleweight contender) Robert McCracken and the management team in NY, we have today triggered the contracted rematch clause with Andy Ruiz Jnr.,” Eddie Hearn, Joshua’s career-long promoter announced on Tuesday.

“The fight will take place in November/December at a venue to be confirmed shortly.”

Ruiz (33-1, 22KOs) spoiled Joshua’s first career fight in the United States in a big way, recovering from a 3rd round knockdown to send the Brit down twice in the very same frame before scoring two more in round seven en route to the stunning upset win.

The feat made Ruiz the first-ever boxer of Mexican descent to capture a portion of the heavyweight throne. Sweetening the achievement was his taking the fight on less than six weeks’ notice, stepping in for unbeaten Jarrell Miller who was removed after coming up dirty for an array of banned substances during three separate random drug tests in late March.

By Jake Donovan / BoxingScene.com