This archive report was first published on 8 December 2019.
Diriyah, Saudi Arabia - In a thrilling turn of events, Anthony Joshua has reclaimed his world heavyweight titles from Andy Ruiz in a one-sided unanimous defeat on Saturday.
Joshua, 30, regained his WBA, IBF, and WBO belts with a convincing victory over Ruiz in Diriyah, a suburb just outside Saudi Arabia's capital.
With this win, Joshua reasserts himself as a major player in boxing's most glamorous division, instantly renewing speculation about a possible unification super fight with WBC champion Deontay Wilder.
However, Joshua remained tight-lipped about his future plans, stating that he would not "chase" the fight with Wilder.
"It's difficult to unite them," Joshua said, referencing the challenges of negotiating a fight with Wilder's camp.
"We'll see what happens. Chasing that fight wasn't playing to my benefit, so I'm going to let the path take its course," Joshua added.
Joshua also expressed his willingness to face Ruiz again, but it's unlikely to happen anytime soon, given his upcoming mandatory title defenses against IBF challenger Kubrat Pulev and WBO contender Oleksandr Usyk.
Joshua's promoter, Eddie Hearn, echoed his sentiments, saying, "Tonight's about celebrating victory. We'll speak to the governing bodies and see who goes first."
Joshua's victory marked a triumphant return to the top of the heavyweight division, and he has never doubted his ability to regain the titles despite his shocking defeat in New York.
"I've said it was like sitting an exam," Joshua said. "I failed the exam first time. This time though I studied, prepared and I just knew I was going to pass."
