Anthony Joshua vs Andy Ruiz Jr: Brit to return to New York’s Madison Square Garden for rematch in pursuit of reclaiming world heavyweight titles

Joshua dropped his WBA, IBF and WBO titles at the Mecca of Boxing and will now return in a bid to correct his record

Anthony Joshua’s rematch with Andy Ruiz Jr is set to take place in New York again at Madison Square Garden.

The Brit lost his heavyweight world titles in a stunning upset, as the Mexican-American forced a stoppage in the seventh round.

The rematch clause in the original fight’s contract has now been triggered by Joshua’s team, with the fight set to take place in November or December.

And The Independent understands Sky Sports have already begun preparations for the contest to be staged back at Madison Square Garden, despite hopes from Joshua’s promoter Eddie Hearn to bring it to the UK – at Wembley, Cardiff’s Principality Stadium or the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Hearn recently revealed there will be a range of dates available for them to stage the fight from November 16 and December 14.

“Anthony feels as though it would be special to rewrite history and get the win at Madison Square Garden,” Hearn revealed.

Joshua was gracious after suffering the first loss of his professional career, but maintained he will return to win back his belts.

Joshua lands on Ruiz Jr (Getty) (Getty Images)

“Boxing is a tough sport, but I train hard and I got beaten by a good fighter, it will be interesting to see how far he goes, but this is all part of the journey,” Joshua said after the fight.

“This is the risk we take, every fighter deserves respect so congratulations to him. I respect every fighter, this is all part of the legacy, it’s how strong I came back. He’s a champion for now, I shall return.”