Anthony Joshua hailed the second best win of his career after easing past Andy Ruiz Jr on points to regain his world heavyweight titles in Saudi Arabia.

Joshua stuck to his game-plan to deliver an emphatic 118-110 (twice) 119-109 points verdict in a manner which contrasted the controversy and chaos that has served to define this promotion.

If it was short on the five-knockdown thrills which shocked the boxing world in their first meeting in New York in June, it was emphatic vindication for Joshua of tactics required to repel Ruiz’s crude advances.

Ruiz showed his frustration in the bout’s final seconds as he stood in the centre of the ring beckoning Joshua to engage, and when the final bell sounded the Briton raised his arms to vindicate his emphatic victory.

Asked about the prospect of going on to face either Deontay Wilder or Tyson Fury, Joshua added “I have been speaking about these guys a long time.

“This time, when I had the opportunity to focus solely on Andy, my head is in the right place. When Wilder and Fury are really ready, they will make the call.

“Until then, I respect them but I won’t continue to call them out. I am making my own lane and if they want to be a part of that, they will call.”