Boxing: Anthony Joshua Sets Date For Redemption Against Andy Ruiz Jr In Saudi Arabia

Deposed heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua has finally revealed when the much-awaited rematch with Andy Ruiz Jr. will take place. It will be on Dec. 7 and the rematch and will be held in Saudi Arabia.

The details were revealed no less by Eddie Hearn's Matchroom Boxing promotion, something boxing fans were eagerly awaiting. Setting it on neutral ground, Ruiz now has less room to argue after previously saying that he would not face the 29-year-old on his home turf, TMZ Sports reported. Dubbed as the Clash of Dunes, the fight will be held at the nation's capital in Diryah.

The latest development officially answers questions raised in a previous post where details of the rematch were still up in the air. Joshua is all pumped up and eager for payback, claiming that Ruiz Jr. will be facing a different (beastly) Joshua in their rematch. The former champion claims that he is entering the rematch with a different mindset, fair warning to the reigning heavyweight champion who shocked the world with his 7th round TKO of Joshua. Despite having only 6 weeks to prepare, the 29-year-old was rewarded for that feat when he snagged the WBA, IBF, WBO, and IBO heavyweight titles.

Joshua says that the setback was only a blip and that he made mistakes. In the rematch, he claims that he has learned from his mistakes and believes it is a fight that he can win. However, it remains to be seen if boxing greats like Evander Holyfield will believe him.

In that same post, the former heavyweight champion says he saw Ruiz rising to greater heights. Apparently, the Real Deal got to spar with a young Ruiz at the age of 21 and saw plenty of promise. It would be best to take note that Holyfield was still an active fighter at that time even at the age of 46.

"He showed that he was good then. I'm sure when people continue to practice, they work, they continue to get better," said Holyfield. Footage of that sparring session can be seen again below.