We and our partners utilize technologies, like biscuits, and collect browsing info to personalise the content and advertisements shown for you and to provide you with the very best internet experience.
Please let us know if you agree.
Britain’s Anthony Joshua says he’s made”drastic” lifestyle modifications since his shock defeat by Andy Ruiz at June.
Joshua lost his WBA IBF and WBO heavyweight names since he had been knocked down four times in New York – one of the greatest upsets of boxing.
The group will fight in Diriyah, Saudi Arabia on 7 December.
“Boxing was always the easiest part for me personally. The struggle was always keeping my entire life in check,” Joshua, 29, told AFP.
“There will not be any aftershock after the first battle. I will be. Getting knocked down was great.
“I’ve made some drastic changes, lifestyle things. Family, circles, what’s important, priorities. The effort it takes to remain on the straight and narrow is tough.”
The group confronted during an international media tour to the rematch on Thursday with Ruiz – who fights below a flag – wearing a sombrero.
Joshua vowed to regain his names and insisted”stopping is not within my DNA”.
“As long as I have breath in me, I will keep on fighting to get the fire of boxing,” said Joshua.
“I faced defeat as a recreational in my next fight. If I had ceased then there will be. I lost in the. There would be no now if I ceased then.
“Everybody in this room was through certain things where nobody thought in them.
“I am not gun shy and I am looking forward to getting back in there and regaining my straps.”
Since it was announced it would maintain Saudi Arabia, the bout has brought criticism.
Human rights organisation Amnesty International has highlighted the nation’s”abysmal” human rights record. Heavy restrictions on the rights of women and freedom of expression have been raised, as has the use of the death penalty for offences not recognised as crimes under international law.
The Kingdom has sought to improve by staging entertainment and sporting events in an effort to attract visitors and move away from its oil-dependent economy, the way that it is perceived.
Joshua said:”I have heard it [criticism of Saudi Arabia’s human rights record] ever since the fight was announced. It’s a great thing that we are talking about it although it’s a point of dialog and they’re currently behaving to make a shift.
“They’re making good adjustments and after having these types of conversations, I start realising that yes, there’s an issue there. My trips to the Middle East are around Dubai and I’ve had fun. The reception has been good.”
Speaking to DAZN, promoter Eddie Hearn said:”We can’t ignore the potential for boxing in the Middle East. I think this is a of a protector in many respects. Every promoter in boxing strove for to Saudi Arabia to get a mega event.
“Not just Saudi however Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Qatar will be bidding because of battles in future. You embrace the change or turn your back on it and become an idiot.”
After the defeat in New York’s Madison Square Garden, Joshua said until the offer to bring the struggle was confirmed, he favoured a return.
“It was a part of the strategy [to struggle in New York again]. That was my preferred option,” Joshua explained.
His shock defeat in June – the first of the Briton’s profession – led to some forecasts for Joshua with Robert McCracken, who has trained him.
“It was a fairly challenging night,” McCracken said. “I really don’t think Anthony was that night but that looks like an excuse as Ruiz was fantastic at the night. We understand he will be prepared.
“I took flack for your loss, I don’t have any problem with that because the head trainer. I would not have stated when I didn’t think Anthony could get his names back do the rematch. Anthony’s only mission is the belts back.”
Former Arsenal defender Tony Adams discusses his life
Read more here: http://ledshtech.com/?p=32719