Anthony Joshua went the distance with Andy Ruiz Jr on their rematch and some boxing fans were not happy with how the fight turned out.
The heavyweight pair visited the Diriyah Arena in Saudi Arabia for the second instalment to their rivalry, with the unified heavyweight titles again up for grabs.
What expected as a barnburner showdown turned out to be a lackluster affair as Joshua utilized his reach advantage and athleticism instead of slugging it out with the Mexican-American.
When the dust settled, it was Joshua who had his hands raised, winning the judges scorecards 118-110, 118-110, and 119-109 to become a two-time world heavyweight champion.
“I gave [Ruiz] his credit in the first fight. There is no excuses,” Joshua said after the fight, per CBS Sports.
“I respect Andy and his trainer so much but I wanted to put on a great master class and show that the sweet science of this sport is about hitting and not getting hit.
“As I always say, I’m not perfect but I’m trying. Never a change in mentality.”
“You know the saying — stay hungry, stay humble. I’m hungry, I’m humble in defeat and I’m going to remain humble in victory.”
Check out some of the craziest reactions to the ‘lackluster’ #RuizJoshua2 below:
Don’t want to see a rematch because Joshua won’t fight Ruiz. He’ll box from the outside & outbox him instead. It was disappointing for a heavyweight fight. https://t.co/nyAfJgmSKv
— andrew (@Drewtheconnect) December 7, 2019
This fight was very lackluster but it was a beautiful display of boxing from Anthony Joshua.. fighting like how should be fighting against a short stockier fighter.
— Draft Darius (5-7) (@TwitDarius) December 7, 2019
A very lackluster fight with AJ clearly ahead and doing what he needs to do. It’s pic.twitter.com/x1DSSdmZPo
— Ray Flores (@SBRFlores) December 7, 2019
Disappointing fight, but at least AJ is back on track for a Wilder/Fury matchup (though I doubt we’ll see either anytime soon). My money is on Whyte getting an AJ rematch for no reason other than this being #boxing. #RuizJoshua #RuizJoshua2
— BoxingHelenaa (@BoxingHelenaa) December 7, 2019
https://twitter.com/SpecterXV/status/1203434774997716992
Lackluster fight. I’m the end it was about one thing: AJ needed the belts so that the money fight with Deontay/Fury can happen. Hearn isn’t worried about optics; he wants the whole damn bag homie. #RuizJoshua2
— Official KD Burner Account (@yodanielchill) December 7, 2019
https://twitter.com/mrchrisavila/status/1203440062203138049
Anthony Joshua doing the Mayweather bitch-ass fight #RuizJoshua2
— Stephen (@StphnFCB) December 7, 2019
So all of the analysis of #RuizJoshua2 basically boils down to this, yeah? pic.twitter.com/CVp1hxkFYu
— Ben Krimmel (@BenKrimmel) December 7, 2019
Some Twitter users, though, praised the two-time heavyweight champion for displaying great boxing skills against Ruiz Jr.
Ruiz is the best thing that ever happened to Joshua. AJ completely changed his style for this fight, and is well on his way to victory. Anyone criticizing AJ for a great plan isn't really a boxing fan. #RuizJoshua2
— Stephie Haynes (@CrooklynMMA) December 7, 2019
Is there criticism of AJ fighting like this? This is *beautiful* boxing #RuizJoshua2
— like a burgon (@rhysjeffs) December 7, 2019
People looking for a knockout from AJ, but he's putting on a BOXING clinic, perfect strategy for Ruiz. Great skills tonight. #RuizJoshua2
— CapHill (@SkylowCaphill) December 7, 2019
(Featured Image Source: Instagram/ Andy Ruiz Jr and Anthony Joshua)