An Unlikely Challenger, Andy Ruiz Jr. To Now Face Anthony Joshua Inside MSG

While he doesn’t bring the same intensity as Jarrell Miller brought to the table, Andy Ruiz Jr. is ready to take on any challenge that comes his way. The 29-year old Mexican heavyweight will now face Anthony Joshua for the latter’s WBA (Super), IBF, WBO, and IBO Heavyweight Titles. The fight on June 1st will be inside New York’s Madison Square Garden.

“The chills – I’m really excited for this fight,” Ruiz stated in a press release.“There’s nervousness in me, but they’re happy nerves. This is my chance to make history, I want to be one of those greats like Chavez, Tyson, Holyfield, Lennox Lewis. I want to be in that category. Thanks to God for everything that he put in me, I just can’t wait.

Ruiz (32-1) is looking to become the first Mexican heavyweight champion of the world. This is his second major bout for the big belt, having lost to Joseph Parker back in 2016 for the WBO Heavyweight Title back in 2016. Since then, Ruiz is on a three-fight win streak, beating Alexander Dimitrenko (TKO), Kevin Johnson (unanimous decision) and Devin Vargas (KO).

The opportunity arose for Ruiz after Jarrell Miller was denied a license following three failed drug tests. His name isn’t a “sexy” one, especially when there are challengers like Luis Ortiz and Kubrat Pulev out there. However, Ruiz’s 21 wins via knockout is something not to take lightly. Stranger things have happened in boxing, and a refreshing matchup that can surprise many makes this fight extremely interesting.

A NABF Heavyweight title holder, Ruiz will look to shock the world as the (good) replacement fighter who knocked down the best boxing has to offer.