Anthony Joshua has hit back at Tyson Fury's suggestion that he should retire from boxing if he loses his rematch with Andy Ruiz Jr.
On December 7th Joshua has the chance to win back the WBA (Super), WBO and IBF heavyweight titles he lost to Ruiz back in June in the rematch in Saudi Arabia.
Much has been said about AJ since the shock loss with fellow British heavyweight Fury saying the Londoner should retire if he loses for a second time to Mexican Ruiz.
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Now Joshua has hit back, speaking to IFL TV the former champion said, "Who is he to talk? Did he help me get into boxing to tell me when I should leave at? No one can tell me when to retire except for me.
"That's how I look it. Unless you were the one to take me into boxing like my old man was the one that took me down to the gym. If he had, son, I think you should retire.' If no one helped me get into it should tell me when to get out of it."
Of course Joshua won't be entertaining the idea of losing to Ruiz in the rematch. The Mexican was a late replacement for Jarrell 'Baby' Miller in June after the American failed a drugs test.
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AJ caused the first knock down of the fight but found himself on the canvas four times before the referee waved the fight of and Ruiz became the first heavyweight champion from Mexico.
Whilst the former champion will be determined to win back the titles he lost, 29-year-old Ruiz will be just as determined to prove it wasn't a fluke.
Speaking at the press conference about bouncing back 2012 Olympic gold medalist Joshua said, "The Muhammad Alis faced it, the Mike Tysons faced it and now I'm facing it.
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"It's all part of it. It's no big deal. It's about how you come back. I have a different challenge in my head. When you've walked the road once, you can do it again."
Do you think that AJ can beat Ruiz or will lighting strike twice?
Featured Image Credit:Topics: Heavyweight boxing, Antthony Joshua, Tyson Fury, Luis Ortiz, Boxing News, Andy Ruiz Jr, Otto Wallin, Deontay Wilder, heavyweight champion