Eddie Hearn knows there is a lot on the line for Anthony Joshua in rematch with Andy Ruiz.

With the rematch between Anthony Joshua and Andy Ruiz set for Dec. 7 in Saudi Arabia, Eddie Hearn is aware of the obstacle in front of his fighter. After Joshua (22-1, 21KOs) suffered a shocking upset TKO loss to Ruiz (33-1, 22KOs) in June, there is a lot at stake for the former unified heavyweight champion.

“The Destroyer” proved to be a threat with his power and fast hands as he floored Joshua four times, and handed him his first loss. Even in the scenario of another loss, Hearn likes to note “AJ’s” accomplishments in the ring.

“I will say one thing,” said Hearn. “If you lose, you’ve had 24 fights or 25 fights; and you’ve lost to one man. And you’re 29, and you’ve been the unified world heavyweight champion. So it’s not the end of the world, but of course he just wants to win the fight.”

The MatchRoom Boxing promoter admits that Joshua wasn’t all there mentally for the first meeting with Ruiz. Despite the distractions surrounding the British star leading up to the fight, Hearn assures he will come into the rematch better prepared.

“In that first fight, people talking about (Deontay) Wilder; (Tyson) Fury,” said Hearn. “He (Joshua) says now ‘I weren’t up for fighting Andy Ruiz.’ Or was Andy Ruiz just really good? Has he got his number? We’ll find out on December 7th.”