Anthony Joshua is set to earn a record-breaking fight purse when he collides with Andy Ruiz Jr in their rematch this weekend.
Joshua will have the opportunity to reclaim his heavyweight titles on Saturday as he looks to avenge his knockout loss to the Mexican.
Last June, the British boxer suffered the first defeat of his professional career after getting knocked out by Ruiz.
The loss was being dubbed as the biggest upset in boxing to date.
Joshua admitted he was too complacent in the first fight and there was lack of preparation for his challenger, with Ruiz stepping in as a late replacement for Jarrell Miller.
While the Mexican vows to pull off another stunner, AJ wants to make something out of the second chance to fight ‘The Destroyer.’
“When I beat that court case, I got into boxing and I focused. Same thing with Ruiz, give me a second chance and see what I can do.”
“‘When I had that second chance at life when I was getting in trouble, I just dedicated myself. I said I would put myself on a 15-year prison sentence to boxing and have that focus.”
Historic Paycheck
Win or lose, Joshua will score the biggest paycheck ever earned by a British boxer, surpassing Ricky Hatton’s £20m fight purse in 2007.
According to a report from Daily Star, the former heavyweight champ will take home a whopping £46m for the rematch while Ruiz will earn just over £10m.
“When you look at it, out of every hundred quid, a lot goes to the taxman and a lot to the trainers and the team,” Joshua said about the earnings (transcript from The Sun).
“Before you know it, what you’re left with in reality is about 30 to 40 per cent.”
“Honestly, one of my main objectives in this sport was not to be owned. Not to be taken advantage of.”
“It’s not easy in this sport. You put so much into it but before you know it your career is over.
“The medals and the titles are important to me, but one day someone else will come up to take over the position they give you.”
Trilogy Bout
With so much at stake, Joshua is expecting a knockout on Saturday while assuring there will be a third instalment to his rivalry with Ruiz.
“This isn’t the last time I will be seeing Andy Ruiz in the ring.”
“I think we make for good fights. I think there is going to be a knockout on Saturday and that is what people want to see, bloodshed and knockouts.”
“And we’ll definitely see each other the third time.”
“I am not looking for anything except the win. That’s the objective. It’s not about speed. It’s like night and day.”
“I shed some skin last time. Rebuilt myself. The objective is just about to win, win, win.”
(Featured Image Source: Instagram/ Anthony Joshua and Andy Ruiz Jr)