This archive report was first published on 6 September 2019.
Anthony Joshua, the 29-year-old British heavyweight champion, has spoken out about the drastic changes he has made to his lifestyle since his surprise defeat by Andy Ruiz in June.
Joshua lost his IBF, WBA, and WBO titles after being knocked down four times before a seventh-round stoppage in New York, one of the biggest upsets in boxing history.
The pair will face off again in Diriyah, Saudi Arabia on December 7, with Joshua vowing to regain his titles and insisting that 'stopping isn't in my DNA.'
Speaking to AFP, Joshua said: 'Boxing was always the easiest part for me. The struggle was always keeping my life in check.'
He added: 'I have made some drastic changes, lifestyle stuff. Family, circles, what is important, priorities. The effort it takes to stay on the straight and narrow is challenging.'
Joshua's comments come as he prepares to face Ruiz again, with the bout attracting criticism due to its location in Saudi Arabia. Human rights organisation Amnesty International has highlighted the country's 'abysmal' human rights record, including restrictions on freedom of expression and women's rights.
However, Joshua has defended the decision to hold the fight in Saudi Arabia, saying: 'I have heard it [criticism of Saudi Arabia's human rights record] ever since the fight was announced. It's a point of conversation but it's a good thing that we are talking about it and they are acting on it to make a change.'
Joshua's promoter, Eddie Hearn, has also spoken out in support of the decision, saying: 'We cannot ignore the potential for boxing in the Middle East. I think this is a changing of a guard in many respects.'
Joshua's defeat in June led to calls for him to part company with his trainer, Robert McCracken, but McCracken has defended his decision to continue working with Joshua, saying: 'I don't think Anthony was himself that night but that looks like an excuse as Ruiz was fantastic on the night. We know he will be better prepared.'
Joshua's rematch with Ruiz is set to take place on December 7 in Diriyah, Saudi Arabia.
