Anthony Joshua eager for Cardiff to host Andy Ruiz Jr rematch ... but admits fight could have a neutral venue

Anthony Joshua expects to face Andy Ruiz Jr in a heavyweight rematch before the end of the year, and has set his sights on Cardiff to host their multi-million-pound encounter.

Joshua suffered a shock seventh-round knockout to the Mexican in June in New York, his first fight outside the UK, and wants the battle for the WBA, IBF, WBO and IBO belts back on British soil.

“I don’t mind fighting him in America but I’d love the rematch to be in Cardiff,” said Joshua of the city where he defended titles against Carlos Takam and Joseph Parker.

“I want it to be in the UK as it’s my stomping ground.

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“Walking out in front of 90,000 people in Cardiff rooting for you to win, that type of energy to win is unstoppable and will give me the [impetus] to win those belts.

The British fans want to see me get those belts back.”

Ruiz Jr has been pushing to fight in front of his home fans in Mexico and, while Joshua’s team are keen on Cardiff, the Londoner admitted the venue might prove to be “neutral ground”.

Joshua ruled out any suggestions he might opt for a warm-up fight before stepping into the ring against Ruiz Jr and also promised he would be a better fighter than at his Madison Square Gardens defeat.

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“After I lost, I [asked myself]: ‘Am I good enough?” he told Sky Sports News.

“Ruiz beating me is a challenge I can overcome. I can’t wait for the rematch. He’s going to deal with a completely different beast.”

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