Nigerian born British boxer, Anthony Joshua, defeated Andy Ruiz Jr to reclaim his three world heavyweight championship belts.
The pugilist, tactically outclassed the determined Mexican in the much anticipated epic bout — setting some new records in the process.
The judges unanimously adjudged Joshua winner with 118-110, 118-110 and 119-109 over Ruiz Jr and made history by winning the first world heavyweight title bout in the Middle East.
The fight which drew comparisons with Muhammad Ali versus George Foreman’s Rumble in the Jungle in Zaire in 1974, was held in the purpose-built 15,000 stadium in Diriyah arena in Saudi Arabia.
The 30-year old is now the 4th deposed world heavyweight champion to win an immediate rematch in 127-year history of the category — 11th fighter to have attempted it.
The Briton came after Floyd Patterson Vs Ingemar Johansson in 1960, Muhammad Ali Vs Leon Spinks in 1978 and Lennox Lewis Vs Hasim Rahman in 2001.
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Joshua drew blood from Ruiz Jr in the earliest exchanges – he immediately seemed far more relaxed than during the first fight and fired a swift right hook which did the damage.
Despite suffering a cut above his eye in the second round, Joshua remained poised and unhurt.
He succeeded in keeping his opponent at his preferred range by moving quickly on his back foot, and flicking out a jab whenever Ruiz tried to creep forwards.
Ruiz had success at the end of the fourth round when an overhand right crashed home. Joshua felt it, and the bell came at a good time for him.
But still Joshua was still able to execute his game-plan. At his lightest ever for a world title fight and 10lbs lighter than the first fight, the Briton had enough to gas to keep Ruiz Jr at bay.
Joshua landed a strong left hook in the sixth but Ruiz would not be dissuaded from plodding forwards and threatening his own punches. The build-up to this fight had been respectful but, at the end of the sixth, Joshua shot a spiteful stare when Ruiz threw two illegal punches.
After he won the match, celebrated with his family and embraced Ruiz.
Reacting to Joshua’s victory, Robert McCracken, his trainer, said: “I think he was where I wanted him to be for this fight. He has listened in camp, worked really hard, and I thought he boxed very well against a dangerous fighter. Andy Ruiz is a real danger and he is very quick and heavy-handed. There were a couple times Josh went into mid-range and came unstuck but he settled back down in the corner and got back on it. His weight was great and his jab was tremendous.”
