On Wednesday evening (Dec.4), Anthony Joshua and Andy Ruiz came face-to-face ahead of their much-anticipated rematch which will take place on Saturday, December 7, in Diriyah, Saudi Arabia.
Speaking at their final press conference on Wednesday, Joshua, who will be attempting to regain his IBF, WBA and WBO titles when they face each other said: ‘I’m not here to put on a show, I’m just here to win.’
He added: ‘It is interesting being on this side of the table. In my 16th fight I challenged and I challenged for a title against Wladimir Klitschko and I challenged against Alexander Povetkin. It is my fourth title challenge in a short space of time. I am used to this. You need to have a challenger mindset. I had that when I had the belts around my waist and I have it now.
‘I have been boxing a while now. When I came in I didn’t come to take part – I came to take over, full force, fully committed. I never had the chance to reflect on all that. Olympic title, European, world – boom, boom, boom.
‘This time, I am not here to put on a show, just to win. Look at the undercard – I fought most of those guys and won. I have been around the block in a short space of time. I am definitely experienced and I know what I am doing.’
Commenting about his opponent, Joshua said: ‘Andy and I are very different. But we have time in common. As soon as I got back from New York I didn’t lose any heart or fire and I started punching the heavy bag at Finchley and looking forward to this chance.
‘I was asked if winning would be special but I said no because I know I belong there. When I regain those belts I will stay cool and keep my focus and keep that challenger mindset for the next one. Ruiz is just my next target.’
As for Ruiz, he said: ‘It has been a long three months in camp. I made history and the important thing is to do it again.
‘There is not much to say other than I am ready to rock and roll. He is motivated and that has given me an edge. He has lost weight and will box around but I am ready for anything that comes my way.
‘I don’t want to let these beautiful belts go away. I have been doing this since I was six and it is finally paying off so I am going to die trying. I no way I am going to let these go.’
