Anthony Joshua has insisted that victory in his world heavyweight title rematch against Andy Ruiz Jr in Saudi Arabia on Saturday night will be no special cause for celebration.

Victory for Joshua would avenge his stunning loss to Ruiz in his last fight in June and project him towards a further unification bout against either Tyson Fury or Deontay Wilder.

But at a Wednesday press conference close to the venue in the desert suburb of Diriyah, Joshua said: “People have asked me if it will be a special moment if I win, and I say no because I belong here.

“When I regain those belts, I will keep the challenger mindset and stay focused. It’s not a time to celebrate. It’s a time to keep my challenger’s mind-set and move on to my next target.”

Ruiz has been preparing for Joshua to adopt a more cagey and elusive game-plan in order to avoid more woe at the hands of the champion’s crashing left hook.

He added: “I know AJ’s going to come with a different game-plan. I know he’s prepared and motivated and he’s going to be more cautious.

“I know he’s lost weight and he’s going to try to box me around but it’s my job to prevent that.

“I don’t want to let these beautiful belts go away. It’s been a long rollercoaster and I’ve finally made my dreams come true. I’m going to do anything possible to get that victory.”