Andy Ruiz to demand £50m for rematch against Anthony Joshua later on this year

WORLD heavyweight boxing champion Andy Ruiz has demanded £50m from boxing promoters for his rematch against Anthony Oluwafemi Joshua after the Nigerian-born Briton triggered the clause calling for a second fight later this year.

In an upset that shocked the boxing world, Joshua got knocked to the canvass four times during the course of the fight last Saturday, forcing the referee to end matters in the seventh round.  In a development that completely shook up the heavyweight scene, Joshua lost the World Boxing Association, World Boxing Organisation, International Boxing Organisation and International Boxing Federation titles.

Immediately, Joshua triggered the rematch clause in their contract and the two boxers are set to clash again in either November or December. Ruiz was set to pick up £10m for the rematch, doubling his purse from the first clash with Joshua, but he is now demanding more.

Ruiz said: “Right now my team are negotiating everything, so I’ve just got to stay busy, stay healthy and be ready for the rematch. I’d love it to be here in the United States or in Mexico you know but it all depends on the team and what they negotiate.

“If they want me to go over there, they’ve got to give me $50m. It’s just negotiations you know.”

It is believed that the rematch will take place in London and with Ruiz now holding all the four belts, he will be demanding a larger share of the purse than Joshua. While Ruiz just got £5m, Joshua is thought to have got £20 for the fight.