Anthony Joshua vs Andy Ruiz: Rematch clause triggered, Eddie Hearn confirms

The Brit suffered the first defeat of his professional career at the hands of the Mexican in New York

Anthony Joshua has triggered the rematch clause in his contract with Andy Ruiz, promoter Eddie Hearn has announced.

Joshua suffered the first defeat of his professional career, being knocked to the canvas four times in a one-sided upset on his American debut at New York’s Madison Square Garden on Saturday night.

Referee Mike Griffin eventually waved it off in the seventh when, after returning to his feet for the fourth time – the two knockdowns followed two similarly hurtful ones in the third, which came after Ruiz Jr’s only knockdown – Joshua was no longer able to defend himself.

Given the nature of the defeat a rematch was always likely with Hearn revealing the move officially on Tuesday afternoon.

“After meetings with AJ, Rob McCracken and the management team in NY, we have today triggered the contracted rematch clause with Andy Ruiz Jnr,” he said.

“The fight will take place in Nov/Dec at a venue to be confirmed shortly.”

Now former world champion Joshua confirmed his desire for a rematch almost immediately after the fight.

“Look out for the end of the year, and what’s next,” said Joshua. “It’s an upset, it’s unexpected. I was the favourite. One shot hit me on the top of the dome and rattled me a bit. I tried to stay in there a few more rounds but the better man won.

“I don’t underestimate anyone. He’s a decent puncher, a decent fighter. He was the better man.

“I’ll tidy up, brush off the cobwebs and go again. But it’s a minor setback.

“Trust me, where I was at in life, I’ve dealt with more s*** than this, with some real big losses, and bounced back.

“If I was to look at my setbacks back then then I would have been f*****. I didn’t. I kept my head strong, fought like a champion, and bounced back.

Joshua will fight Ruiz again later in the year (Getty)

“I didn’t even ask about a rematch clause because I was so confident I was going to win. If it’s there, we’ll go again and I’ll get the titles back. I’m going to beat him up.

“I’m not dwelling on it. You just correct it, you adjust, you sit down, you focus and you go again.”