‘AJ’ Hopes Familiarity Can Win Back Titles

Anthony Joshua is hoping to use his previous experience of facing Andy Ruiz Jr to help him win their December 7 heavyweight rematch.

The 29-year-old British boxer was stunned by his Mexican opponent on June 1 when he suffered a first professional defeat at Madison Square Garden in New York.

Ruiz Jr recovered from an early knockdown to stop Joshua in the seventh round and took his IBF, WBA and WBO titles in the process.

Related: Joshua: I Want Ruiz Jr Rematch In Cardiff

A rematch clause inserted into the original fight contract means the pair will go again in Saudi Arabia later this year. And Joshua believes he can use his defeat to devise a gameplan which will ensure he emerges from the ring as the victor next time they meet.

He told Sky Sports: “You should stay consistent with who you are. “I can become familiar with him. I know what I’m in for. I know what I’m capable of. I know what he’s capable of. “I know some of the attributes he possesses, and some of the weaknesses.

I have to go about exposing him a little bit more. The first time I had him down [in the first fight], I could have been smarter. These little things you think about in your head. “Now I meet him eye-to-eye again and, subconsciously, the clock is ticking and I start thinking more and more about the fight.”