“Andy Ruiz is good but he can’t beat me twice” – Anthony Joshua

Nigerian-British boxer, Anthony Joshua has spoken once again about the first career defeat he suffered at the hands of Mexican-American Andy Ruiz Jr. ahead of December’s rematch.

Ruiz produced one of boxing’s biggest upsets when he dethroned the previously undefeated world heavyweight champion with a seventh-round stoppage at New York’s Madison Square Garden in June.

While speaking to BBC Joshua attributed his defeat to lack of experience and his lose has made him learn more. Acknowledging that Ruiz is a good fighter, Joshua said he doubts if Mexican-American fighter could beat him twice.

It wasn’t burnout. The issues I faced in the last camp, it’s just down to lack of experience. Even though it was at a high level, we were still finding experience. Andy Ruiz is good but I don’t think he should beat me twice.

I used to hear guys say you have to take a loss and I would think ‘why’? Now I can understand it and know what it takes.

I have more understanding now and my ears are open to new information so that’s making me smarter as a fighter, Joshua said.

The blessing is I have a second chance and here we are, the 30-year-old said.

The WBA, IBF and WBO heavyweight title rematch – dubbed the ‘Clash on the Dunes’, will take place in Saudi Arabia on Dec. 7 after former Olympic Champion Joshua triggered a rematch clause.