Premiere Ahead of the Big Rematch!
Anthony Joshua will be seeking revenge when he steps into the ring against Andy Ruiz Jr. this Saturday in Saudi Arabia. The big underdog Ruiz upended the boxing world when–after being knocked down by Joshua–went on to score his own knockdowns leading to a stunning TKO victory of the (at the time) unbeaten Joshua.
Chronicling this huge upset is the new documentary “One Night: Joshua vs. Ruiz” streaming now on DAZN. It is the first film by DAZN Originals in association with Balboa Productions and the legendary (and most famous underdog) Sylvester Stallone himself is the executive producer of this piece.
Here’s my special recap of the premiere night recently held at the Writers Guild in Beverly Hills!
It was a knockout evening featuring red carpet arrivals, pre-screening reception and an after party. There was an air of pure adrenaline, anticipation and excitement as the familiar faces all converged on the red carpet. The cocktail party showcased boxing-themed cocktails called “Fight Night,” “On the Ropes” and the “TKO” with Guillotine vodka for the extra one-two punch!
Spotted in the crowd were champions/prizefighters Sugar Ray Leonard, Evander Holyfield, Tito Ortiz, Ryan Garcia, Sergio Mora, Ava Knight, Fernando Guerrero, YouTube sensation (and new pro boxer) Logan Paul, actors Dolph Lundgren, Frank Stallone, Omar Benson Miller, Golden Boy’s Eric Gomez, 360 Promotions’ Tom Loeffler, broadcasting’s Jim Gray, Larry Merchant, Bernardo Osuna, Claudio Trejos, Lauren Gardner, trainers Jay Grazer, Steve Harpst, Julian Chua, Robert Sale, football player Marcellus Wiley, choreographer Columbus Short and many more.
The half hour doc is dramatic and riveting, just like the June 1 victory by the massive underdog Ruiz. The Mexican-American warrior shocked the boxing world as he became the reigning champ that night in Madison Square Garden. Directed by Deirdre Fenton, the new film is the perfect thing to stream right before their multi-million dollar rematch in a stadium that DAZN’s Eddie Hearn had built to accommodate this heavyweight collision.
Before and after the screening, I chatted with some of the crew members and also had a chance to talk boxing with the guests in attendance.
So who do they think will win the rematch on December 7?
While I always pull for the underdog, the majority of people I spoke to think that the British superstar AJ will reclaim his titles in their second clash.
One thing is unanimous though–everyone thinks it will be another fiery night of fisticuffs.
Check out my snapshots from the November 21 bash and be sure to catch “One Night: Joshua vs. Ruiz” streaming now on DAZN!
Photos by Michele Chong
