Joshua: I Want Ruiz Jr Rematch In Cardiff

Anthony Joshua is willing to fight Andy Ruiz Jr on ‘neutral ground’, but the British heavyweight star would love the rematch to be staged in Cardiff.

Joshua’s second world title fight with Ruiz Jr is yet to be confirmed following the Mexican’s shock victory at Madison Square Garden in New York, although Matchroom Boxing boss Eddie Hearn has suggested a final decision is edging closer.

Ruiz Jr has voiced his displeasure at the prospect of travelling to the UK, with Joshua remaining respectful of his wishes, but the Brit admits that home advantage could be crucial in a defining fight for his career.

“Ruiz, I’ve seen he’s done a lot of talking about what he wants, but he don’t call the shots in that sense, it’s a team effort,” Joshua exclusively told Sky Sports. ”

“It’s fine, I don’t mind fighting him in America, I’ve done it before, and I’d love to fight here because I had no reason to go in the first place. I went there off my own back, so for the rematch now, I would love it to be in Cardiff, however, [if] it’s going to be on neutral ground, Ruiz is the champ, we’ll kind of make some calls as well in that situation.

“But I’m going to battle for it to be in the UK, because it’s my stomping ground. I done one out there, so let’s do the rematch here.

“I think it will be amazing before the year is out and I’ll definitely be having a lovely new years with my family.”