Boxing news: Deontay Wilder explains why Anthony Joshua will lose Andy Ruiz Jr rematch
Anthony Joshua will rematch Andy Ruiz Jr in Saudi Arabia on December 7.
Deontay Wilder has backed Andy Ruiz Jr to win his rematch with Anthony Joshua.
Ruiz Jr turned the boxing world upside down on June 1 by handing the Brit his first professional loss.
A late replacement for the disgraced Jarrell Miller - who failed three drug tests - Ruiz Jr shocked the world by stopping Joshua in the seventh round of his American debut.
Victory over Joshua saw the 29-year-old become the first Mexican-born heavyweight champion and claim the WBA (Super), WBO, IBF and IBO titles.
Joshua will have the opportunity to exact revenge on his conqueror on December 7 in Saudi Arabia.
But reigning WBC king Wilder foresees ‘AJ’ coming up short against the Californian again.
When asked if he’s backing Ruiz Jr to defeat Joshua again, Wilder told Sky Sports: “I am.
“Ruiz Jr has all the motivation and confidence that he needs from the first fight.
Ruiz Jr has all the motivation and confidence that he needs from the first fight
“I don't think he is one to dwell after obtaining a little taste of success.
“This is just the beginning, especially when you become a champion.
“You've got to stay hungry. My man Marvin Hagler said you can't get out of bed in silk pyjamas, but with the win, it was a big boost, and he has the Mexican people around him.”
Wilder is keen to unify the heavyweight division and admits he’d gladly fight the winner of the bout, though he’d prefer it Ruiz Jr came out of the contest victorious.
“The Ruiz Jr fight is even huger,” he said. “Whoever wins is going to be a big fight.
“But the biggest fight is me and Ruiz Jr because of his Hispanic background, and he’s American, so he has both sides.
“Becoming the first Mexican heavyweight champion is huge because they’ve never had that before.
“A lot of people who weren’t alert on him, they are now. It’s bigger than what Joshua could ever be.”