Anthony Joshua says he lost first fight to Andy Ruiz because of health issues

- Anthony Joshua has explained that he had health issues before he faced Ruiz in June

- He believes the problems contributed to his defeat against the Mexican-American boxer

- Joshua eventually won the rematch between him and Andy Ruiz in Saudi Arabia

British professional boxer Anthony Joshua has claimed that health issues contributed to his first ever defeat in boxing which came against Andy Ruiz in New York.

Andy Ruiz taught Anthony Joshua some boxing lesson six months ago in a result that shocked many followers and lovers of the game.

But after the defeat in America, Anthony Joshua offered Andy Ruiz a rematch which was agreed by the Mexican-American and they met in Saudi Arabia on December 7.

Anthony Joshua however redeemed himself beating Andy Ruiz to reclaim his three belts even though he had to win via unanimous decision.

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The 30-year-old has now spoken about his first defeat against Andy Ruiz while speaking with Radio 5 Live.

“I had some issue with my health which I was going through for a long time.

“I didn’t know what was wrong with me. I felt so tired and drained and thought it must be down to training.

“In the changing room before the fight I got a bucket of ice and was putting my head in it thinking ‘why do I feel so tired?’

“The responsibilities of being world champion are difficult. All that stuff, feeling so tired, dealing with obligations.

“Now I have energy, I haven’t missed a session,'' Anthony Joshua told Radio 5 Live according to UK Sun.

Earlier, Legit.ng had reported how Abike Dabiri-Erewa the chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), congratulated Nigerian-born British boxer, Anthony Joshua over his victory in Saturday’s World Heavyweight Boxing fight in Saudi Arabia.

Nigerians in Diaspora chairman sends powerful message to Anthony Joshua over boxing victory

Reacting to Joshua's victory, Dabiri-Erewa, in a statement by NIDCOM head of media and public relations, Abdur-Rahman Balogun, in Abuja on Sunday, said it is a testimony to the fact that Nigerians are great people.

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