This is news for the boxing world and we all have been waiting to hear the date and venue of the rematch between Andy Ruiz Jnr. and Anthony Joshua and the date and venue has been released.
The long awaited rematch between Ruiz and Joshua will be fought at an open-air outdoor venue being constructed for the fight in far away "Diriyah, Saudi Arabia and the date is Saturday 7th December 2019". Boooom!!!
Recall that, Ruiz knocked out Joshua in the seventh round of their first meeting on 1 June 2019 in New York and he took his IBF, WBA, WBO and IBO heavyweight titles from him in the process.
Rumors has been on that, the rematch will be held in London a place where Joshua will have home advantage. Ruiz on the other hand has stated he will not fight in London and hence a neutral ground has been picked.
My Thoughts.
I think this is good and picking a neutral ground is the best for the rematch.
Since losing to Ruiz, Joshua and his team have been on social media bemoaning his loss and also making excuses for why he lost.
Do I have a favorite? No I don't, but I am for the best man and don't really have a favorite for the rematch but will like to see Ruiz win again to keep the titles he won in June. I mean, he did earn that win fair and square.
I think since winning, Ruiz has gone back to train even harder and we will be surprised to see a well built Ruiz in December as against what we saw in June. Also, Joshua is sure to come out swinging but if he allows his ego to get in his head again, he will hit the canvass faster than he came.
Who is your favorite for the rematch?
Is Saudi Arabia a good location for the rematch?
In my opinion Joshua will again be the favorite to win, but I keep my fingers crossed for Ruiz. One time he has done the impossible, so he can do it and win the second time.