Anthony Joshua has been humiliared by one of the most astonishing upsets in heavyweight boxing history.
The Mexican who was supposed to be battered stripped Britain’s golden Olympian of his four world titles. Andy Ruiz Jr became the first heavyweight from his country to win the world heavyweight title.
Joshua was under pressure almost instantly and struggled to find a solid guard to repel an onrushing Ruiz Jr early on.
Hitting the canvas twice in the third and twice in the seventh round, Joshua was in uncharted territory in his fight career.
The Briton was left baffled when the referee waved off the contest following his fourth visit to the New York City canvas.
With his head seeming to clear, Joshua went to work behind that long left jab. But Ruiz came bustling back again to rock him with lefts and rights. Both had slowed badly by now.
From his slough, Ruiz came barnstorming again, to terrible effect. Twice more he clubbed Joshua to the canvas.
The second time he lurched upwards he was out on his feet. Referee Griffin looked long and hard. Maybe he gave Joshua too much time but the champion walked blindly to his corner, took out his gumshield and sagged in acquience to the sensational upset.