Sparring KO Rumors May Have Jumpstarted Joshua’s Rematch Clause

The seven-round Joshua, Ruiz Jr affair is considered to be one of the biggest upsets in boxing history.

On Tuesday, Anthony Joshua and his promoter, Eddie Hearn of Matchroom Boxing activated a rematch clause with new heavyweight champ, Andy Ruiz, Jr.

After meetings with AJ, Rob Mc and the management team in NY, we have today triggered the contracted rematch clause with Andy Ruiz Jnr. The fight will take place in Nov/Dec at a venue to be confirmed shortly.

75.7k Likes, 4,944 Comments – Eddie Hearn (@eddiehearn) on Instagram: “After meetings with AJ, Rob Mc and the management team in NY, we have today triggered the…”

The rematch will take place in either November or December of this year in a yet unannounced location.

“After meetings with AJ, Rob Mc and the management team in NY, we have today triggered the contracted rematch clause with Andy Ruiz, Jnr. The fight will take place in Nov/Dec at a venue to be confirmed shortly.”

Joshua had 30 days to decide whether he would exercise his right to the rematch but wasted no time. This signals Joshua’s wish to avenge the match and let his fans know he isn’t going anywhere.

The seven round affair is considered one of the biggest upsets in boxing history.

Ruiz Jr. became the first Mexican boxing Heavyweight Champion in history bring pride to an entire country and his native California.

What Happened?

In the aftermath of the Joshua loss, video has surfaced showing Joshua’s father, Robert Joshua, angry at Eddie Hearn.

The in-ring blow up was enough for the younger Joshua to hold his father back from an unexpecting Hearn while all were still in the ring.

Rumors have surfaced that just days before leaving training camp in Miami, Joshua was knocked out by sparring partner, Josh Dawejko (19-7-4, 11 KOs).

Rob Fort on Twitter

@NoDucksBoxing Notice @anthonyfjoshua dad not happy with @EddieHearn after @Andy_destroyer1 defeat #joshuaruiz #joshua #eddiehearn https://t.co/5wo8N5lnaJ

There has been speculation that Joshua was sporting wounds during fight week and was wearing a hat at many press events to shroud it.

Apparently, Robert Joshua wanted to pull his son from the June 1st bout but obviously, that didn’t happen. If the rumors are true, it could be one of the reasons why Joshua didn’t look himself during the ring walk and during the fight.

No shade to Andy Ruiz, Jr. who picked himself off the canvas and scored four knockdowns before being hailed the victor. Either way, the rematch will prove if Joshua is the champion many think he is or if Ruiz, Jr. has got his number.

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