The 30-year-old Watford-born boxer emerges victorious at the end of the 12th round in the bout having amassed more points than his opponent.
Joshua won the fight Two cards have it 118-110, the other 119-109.
This time in Diriyah, in a purpose-built 15,000-seat arena, there had been a downpour in the desert but a disaster for Joshua was averted by his most disciplined and controlled performance to date.
Anthony Joshua reclaimed the world heavyweight championship in Saudi Arabia on Saturday night by outclassing Andy Ruiz Jr over 12 rounds.
Joshua gained revenge for his nightmare in New York earlier this year, when he fell four times in defeat to Ruiz Jr, by winning a unanimous decision in their rematch and clawing back the IBF, WBA and WBO titles.
He came into the rings as a challenger but returned as the champion having tasted defeat for the first time in his career earlier this year.
Joshua drew blood from Ruiz Jr in the earliest exchanges – he immediately seemed far more relaxed than during the ill-fated first fight and fired a swift right hook which did the damage.
But Joshua then suffered a similar cut in the second round, above his eye, although he remained poised and unhurt.
Joshua was able to keep the shorter and heavier Ruiz Jr at his preferred range by moving quickly on his back foot, and flicking out a jab whenever the champion tried to creep forwards.
Ruiz Jr finally had success at the end of the fourth round when an overhand right crashed home. Joshua felt it, and the bell came at a good time for him.
But still Joshua was still able to execute his game-plan, geed on by Rob McCracken, the long-serving trainer in his corner who he unequivocally backed after the first fight. At his lightest ever for a world title fight and 10lbs lighter than the first fight, the Brit had enough to gas to keep Ruiz Jr at bay.
Joshua landed a strong left hook in the sixth but Ruiz Jr would not be dissuaded from plodding forwards and threatening his own punches. The build-up to this fight had been respectful but, at the end of the sixth, Joshua shot a spiteful stare when Ruiz Jr threw two illegal punches.
Mexico’s first ever heavyweight champion, by the seventh, was getting frustrated and the referee admonished him for more illegal shots.
They went toe-to-toe for the first time moments later, in scenes reminiscent of the first fight when Joshua fell, but this time he remained firm.
Ruiz Jr’s eyes lit up in the eighth round when he landed hard punches to the side of Joshua’s head. There was a collective intake of breath at ringside but Joshua did not go down. Joshua then had to absorb even more in the ninth.
It was Joshua’s skill and finesse (although he crashed a right hand home in the final round) that ultimately made him a two-time heavyweight champion, joining esteemed company such as Muhammad Ali, Mike Tyson and Lennox Lewis in reigning again after suffering defeat.
Two scores of 118-110 and another of 119-109 meant the world titles returned to Joshua, who celebrated with his family and embraced Ruiz Jr after the decision.
More photos below:
WATCH VIDEOS BELOW
Just look at this!!! OMG!!!Just look at how Ruiz’s head snaps back here from AJ’s jab in round 11 #RuizJoshua2 pic.twitter.com/JgqWyTNiZ4— The Great Sage (@myunicy) December 7, 2019
— Onismate (@The_Onismate) December 7, 2019
AJ opened a cut over Ruiz’s eye with this right hand in round 1 #RuizJoshua2 pic.twitter.com/zASWH0A5Xn— Harry Zahn (@harry_zahn) December 7, 2019
🇬🇧 Anthony Joshua has finally done it 🔥🔥— MMA India (@MMAIndiaShow) December 7, 2019
He defeats Andy Ruiz Jr via unanimous decision to become two-time world champion#RuizJoshua2 #AJRuiz2 pic.twitter.com/lQodmlTSSt
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