The self-promoted “Clash On The Dunes” featuring heavyweight boxing champion Andy Ruiz and Anthony Joshua is scheduled for December 7 from Diriyah, Saudi Arabia.
Ruiz, who shocked the boxing world when he knocked Joshua down four times, earning a seventh round TKO victory and WBA, IBF, WBO and IBO titles in the process, will likely still enter the fight a heavy underdog despite being 1-0 vs. Joshua. Related: Andy Ruiz, 25-To-1 Underdog, Shocks Anthony Joshua
Prior to the loss, Joshua had won all 22 of his fights, with 21 of those wins coming via knockout. He had held at least a piece of the heavyweight boxing title since 2016 when he stopped Charles Martin in the second round. Promoters and executives with DAZN were hoping to move Joshua into a bout with either Deontay Wilder or Tyson Fury after the Ruiz fight, but those plans were put on the backburner for now as the younger attempts to become a two-time champion.
“Neutral grounds – LETS GO,” Joshua posted on Twitter after news of the fight was made public.
Neutral grounds – LETS GO – Dec 7th, time to be 2X – 258MGT ? pic.twitter.com/cNOJV3QkYX
— Anthony Joshua (@anthonyfjoshua) August 9, 2019
The fight with Ruiz, though, marked his first bout outside of Europe, as the fight took place from Madison Square Garden in New York City. There had been talk of the rematch returning to New York City, with Joshua even agreeing to fight Ruiz in Mexico, as the champion had wanted.
Surprising Heavyweight Champion
Ruiz, a 29-year-old, was tabbed as the replacement fighter when Jarrell Miller failed to obtain his fight license from the New York Athletic Commission because of three different failed tests for performance-enhancing drugs.
At the time of the stoppage win, Ruiz was leading on two scorecards, 57-56. The victory moved his record to 33-1 with 22 knockouts.
Where To Watch Ruiz-Joshua 2
Much like the first encounter, the bout will air live on DAZN, as Joshua signed a lengthy contract with the network prior to the bout vs. Ruiz. Related: Gennady Golovkin Signs Exclusive Contract With DAZN