Anthony Joshua Says He Will Take Ruiz Head Off To Win Rematch

Anthony Joshua has warned Andy Ruiz Jr that he wants to reacquaint himself with the world title belts when they meet on Wednesday “to see what I’m about to have in my possession”

The tension will ramp up at Wednesday afternoon’s press conference, where Joshua and Ruiz Jr will go face to face ahead of Saturday’s heavyweight championship rematch.

Joshua, now-infamously, allowed his challenger to touch the title belts in the press conference prior to their first fight in New York six months ago, before then dramatically losing them inside the ring a few days later.

Now entering as the challenger himself, Joshua exclusively told Sky Sports he hopes to inflict a mental blow on Ruiz Jr by touching the champion’s belts.

“Yes, why not,” he said. “They are heavy – that’s why I gave them to him, last time.

“But I haven’t had them around me for the past six months so yes, I would definitely take them to see what I’m about to have in my possession.

“I would shake his hand, we’re going to fight anyway. Sportsmanship… but come that first bell, I’ll take his head off.”