Andy Ruiz Jr. says ‘I call the shots now’ when it comes to organizing an Anthony Joshua rematch

Photo by Nick Potts/PA Images via Getty Images

Anthony Joshua has been warned that he no longer calls the shots in the heavyweight division.
New four belt world champion Andy Ruiz Jr., who beat Joshua in style in New York City on Saturday, is welcoming talk of a rematch.
But has said he is more interested in organizing a second fight in Los Angeles or in Mexico, than having to go to the UK later in the year.
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Andy Ruiz Jr. has warned Anthony Joshua and the beaten heavyweight’s promoter Eddie Hearn that they no longer call the shots when it comes to championship boxing in the division.

Joshua boxed sluggishly in his American debut in New York City on Saturday. He was knocked down four times and stopped in the seventh round when the referee waved the fight off because Joshua was non-responsive while trying to balance himself on the top ropes in a neutral corner.

The conclusive defeat brought an abrupt end to Joshua’s championship run, having won his first heavyweight world title in 2016, making six defenses, before losing at Madison Square Garden.

Hearn said after the loss that his company, Matchroom Sport, is planning to secure a rematch in the UK in November or December, so that Joshua can attempt to win back his belts.

Photo by Nick Potts/PA Images via Getty Images

But Ruiz Jr. has warned Hearn and Joshua that now he is the champion, it is he who calls the shots, and that though he would welcome a second fight, he would prefer a rematch take place in Los Angeles or Mexico.

He told DJ Dubbz on YouTube that he does not "want to let these belts go easily" and to keep them in his possession he will "work hard, stay disciplined," and talk to his manager Al Haymon.

Ruiz Jr. believes he has "the upper advantage" when it comes to rematch discussions. He said he would love to have it in New York City again, "or in LA," adding: "I’m the champion … I call the shots now."

To Sky Sports, Ruiz Jr. said he is planning to parade the world titles in his hometown of Imperial in California, and is desperate to fight in Mexico. "I’d love [the rematch] to be in Mexico. There’s never been a heavyweight boxing champion in Mexico so I’d love to have it there."

Speaking to talkSPORT on Monday, Hearn said he will provide details about a rematch "very soon."

He said Joshua will "be back better and stronger than ever," adding: "This rematch is gonna be a huge, huge fight."

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