Over 12 rounds. Joshua gained revenge for his nightmare in New York earlier this year, when he fell four times in defeat to Ruiz Jr, by winning a unanimous decision in their rematch and clawing back the IBF, WBA and WBO titles.
This time in Diriyah, in a purpose-built 15,000-seat arena, there had been a downpour in the desert but a disaster for Joshua was averted by his most disciplined and controlled performance to date.
He had to come through a torrid eighth round when Ruiz Jr landed the type of punches that won him the first fight - this time, Joshua teetered but remained upright, and eventually sauntered over the finish line.