By beating Anthony Joshua, Andy Ruiz Jr. “Broke The Wheel” in today’s heavyweight boxing scene

Shock and awe were the key phrases on Saturday, June 1 when Andy Ruiz Jr. ended the undefeated streak of British boxing sensation Anthony Joshua. Using his power, the heavyweight was able to take Joshua down four times as the Madison Square Garden faithful were on their feet. With a seventh-round TKO win, it is being considered the biggest upset in boxing.

It could also be called the biggest relief in the sport.

Over the past two+ years, all anyone could be talking about is Joshua, Deontay Wilder and Tyson Fury. The three fighters have dominated the heavyweight scene, whether in the media and in the ring. Rightfully so, as they showed just how powerful of a commodity they are. However, during this time it has been all talk when discussing actual fights between the three.

The only fight that came to fruition was Wilder v. Fury, which ended in a draw. For months, a rematch was the talk of the town, but before it get could done Fury signed with ESPN. Wilder then stated he would face Luis Ortiz in a rematch from their 2018 encounter then Fury, who is set to face Tom Schwartz. Everyone, including Joshua, had to win their respective bouts.

Plans have been altered, and it may very well be for the best. Like Daenerys Targaryen wanted to do in Game of Thrones, Andy Ruiz Jr. actually broke the wheel. He opened the door for other challengers in the heavyweight division that were being suffocated by the Joshua/Fury/Wilder drama.

Fighters worth mentioning in the heavyweight division include Dillian Whyte (25-1), Adam Kownacki (19-0), Bryant Jennings (24-3), Joe Joyce (9-0) and former cruiserweight Oleksandr Usyk (16-0). You could even add the controversial Jarrell Miller or Kubrat Pulev into the mix. Many of these fighters were always at the cusp of greatness, but due to potential superfights have been left alone to dry out.

At the end of the day, it is an era that boxing fans have been waiting for. Their needs may be at the expense of fighters and promoters. In regards to the latter, perhaps it is not the worst thing if you are a fan who just wants to watch great fights.

Joshua will get his rematch, as he has the right to one. Will the result be the same, however? Don’t be so shocked if it ends up that way. If Joshua does win, we can expect more of the same. If Ruiz truly is the real deal like many expected him to be and wins the rematch, it will truly be a new day in boxing’s heavyweight scene.