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Britain’s Anthony Joshua says he has made”drastic” lifestyle modifications because his shock defeat by Andy Ruiz in June.
Joshua lost his WBA IBF and WBO heavyweight titles as he had been knocked down four times in New York – one of the biggest upsets of boxing.
The set will fight in Diriyah, Saudi Arabia on December.
“Boxing was constantly the simplest part for me personally. The struggle was constantly keeping my life in check,” Joshua, 29, told AFP.
“There will be no aftershock following the very first battle. I will be smarter. Getting bogged down was good.
“I’ve made some drastic changes, lifestyle stuff. Family, groups, what’s critical, priorities. The effort necessary to stay on the straight and narrow will be hard.”
The pair confronted on Thursday during an global media tour for the rematch using Ruiz – who fights under a Mexican flag – wearing a sombrero.
Joshua vowed to regain his titles and insisted”stopping is not within my DNA”.
“As long as I have breath in me I keep on fighting the passion of boxing,” said Joshua.
“I faced overcome as a recreational in my fight. If I had stopped there could be now. I lost in the. If I ceased there will be now.
“Everybody in this room was through certain things where no-one believed in them.
“I’m not gun shy and I am looking forward to getting back in there and hammering my belts.”
As it was announced it would be in Saudi Arabia, the bout has attracted criticism.
Human rights organisation Amnesty International has emphasized the country’s”abysmal” human rights record. Restrictions on the rights of women and freedom of expression are raised, as has the use of the death penalty for offences not recognised as crimes under international law.
The Kingdom has been sought to enhance the way that it is perceived by staging sporting and entertainment events in an effort to attract traffic and go away from its market.
Joshua said:”I’ve heard it [complaint of Saudi Arabia’s human rights record] ever since the fight was declared. It is a point of dialog but it’s a great thing that we’re currently talking about it and they’re acting to make a change.
“They are making good changes and following these kinds of conversations, I start denying that yes, there’s an issue there. My trips to the Middle East are around Dubai and I have had fun. The reception has been great.”
Talking to DAZN, promoter Eddie Hearn stated:”We cannot ignore the potential for boxing at the Middle East. I think that is a changing of a shield in many respects. Every promoter in boxing strove to get to Saudi Arabia to get a mega event.
“Not only Saudi but Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Qatar would be bidding because of battles in future. You embrace the change or turn your back on it and become an idiot.”
After the defeat at New York’s Madison Square Garden, Joshua said that he favoured a return until the offer to bring the struggle was confirmed.
“It had been part of the strategy [to fight in New York again]. This was my favorite option,” Joshua said.
His shock defeat in June – the first of the career of the Briton – headed to some calls for Joshua to part company with Robert McCracken, who’s trained him.
“It was a fairly difficult night,” McCracken said. “I really don’t think Anthony was himself that evening but that looks like an excuse as Ruiz was fantastic on the night. We understand he’ll be prepared.
“I took flack for the loss, I have no issue with this as the head trainer. I wouldn’t have said when I didn’t think Anthony could receive his titles back, do the rematch. Anthony’s only mission is the belts back.”
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