Dethroned world heavyweight champion , Anthony Joshua has again spoken on his first career defeat at the hands of Andy Ruiz Jr. saying that his inexperience caused his defeat.
He however said he has more understanding and has become a “smarter” fighter as he prepares for his December’s rematch.
Recall that Mexican-American Ruiz shocked everyone when he defeated world heavyweight champion with a seventh-round stoppage at New York’s Madison Square Garden in June.
“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 told BBC in a new interview.
The WBA, IBF and WBO heavyweight title rematch dubbed the ‘Clash on the Dunes’, will take place in Saudi Arabia on December 7 after former Olympic Champion Joshua triggered a rematch clause.
“The blessing is I have a second chance and here we are,” the 30-year-old said.