Joshua wants his belts back

Anthony Joshua believes he will be up against the best fighter on the planet right now when he takes on Andy Ruiz Jr in his December rematch with the heavyweight world champion.

Joshua and Ruiz Jr completed the last leg of the promotional tour for their highly-anticipated fight in Saudi Arabia later this year, with both men setting their stall for December’s rematch.

The pair have taken part in press conferences in Saudi Arabia, New York and London as part of the build up for their December 7 contest, with Britain’s Anthony Joshua looking to win back the belts he gave up in a shock defeat to Ruiz Jr in June this year.

And Joshua, 29, has said that he can only benefit from his challenger mindset.

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Joshua said: ‘Klitschko, champion, Povetkin, champion, Parker, champion, and now Andy Ruiz another champion I am against. I have that motivation I am fighting someone who has the skill and is a champion. I can’t overlook Andy because he is the best heavyweight out there. I know where I’m heading December 7, I am shooting for the stars and want to win back my belts.’

Meanwhile, Andy Ruiz Jr reiterated his intentions to not be a short-lived champion.

‘It’s going to mean everything to defend the titles. December 7 the belts will be in the air, it’s either me or him. The mindset is that I think Anthony Joshua is trying to take food from my kids. My motivation is my kids and family and if anyone wants to take it away from them I’m willing to die to protect them.’