Andy Ruiz beats Anthony Joshua in a Madison Square Garden stunner

For months, the world was focusing on Anthony Joshua v. the combination of Deontay Wilder and Tyson Fury. Then all the focus was on Jarrell Miller and how he lost his opportunity. Nobody was paying any mind to Andy Ruiz Jr., who has more experience than Miller did.

Those who doubted him immediately were punched in the gut (figuratively of course) like Joshua was in the head, literally. In front of a hot Madison Square Garden crowd, Anthony Ruiz Jr. changed the narrative, beating Joshua via TKO in round eight. He is now the first Mexican World Champion, winning the WBA (Super), IBF, WBO, and IBO Heavyweight Titles.

Both fighters were hot to start out of the gate. Ruiz (33-1) was pushing forward in round one, with Joshua (22-1) attempting to utilize his jab to block Ruiz’s momentum. Joshua was trying to end the fight early, setting up wild hooks. However, just like his fights with Joseph Parker and Alexander Povetkin, there was no sense of urgency for Joshua. Just like round one, round two saw Joshua messing around but still managing to throw something to block Ruiz’s momentum.

Round three was an out of body experience. Late in the round, Joshua knocked Ruiz down, but he got back up and gave up a few shots of his own. In the blink of an eye, Joshua was down and for a moment time stood still. Nobody expected that, and Joshua was sure that wasn’t going to let that happen again.

It happened three more times.

WE HAVE A FIGHT ON OUR HANDS LADIES AND GENTLEMEN!#JoshuaRuiz pic.twitter.com/Kf4zJBebne

— DAZN USA (@DAZN_USA) June 2, 2019

The entire arena erupted as Ruiz stunned Joshua. He actually did it twice in the third. It was one of the greatest rounds of boxing in quite some time.

It was all fun and games when the fight was announced. Not many gave the more experienced Ruiz a chance due to his stature, but he knew what he was capable of.

“I have nothing bad to say about Anthony Joshua, he’s a champion, I’m a fan of him, I respect him, but inside the ring there won’t be any respect, no friends, and no fans,” Ruiz stated before the fight. “I’ll I can say is tune-in on June 1, it’s going to be a hell of fight, I’m going to give it all I got, and we’re going to win this for Mexico!”

Round four saw Joshua looking sluggish, taking way too many steps as Ruiz was patient. Unfortunately for Ruiz, he didn’t quite have the same momentum as he did during round three. He did end up hitting Joshua with key body and head shots, the latter of which rocked him on the top of his head.

Ruiz ended up overpowering Joshua, who was getting backed up against the ropes, unsure of what to do. In round seven he was knocked down twice, the referee both times seeing if he could continue. Both times Joshua looked at his corner. The second knockdown in the round, among other factors was enough to end the fight.

“I just feel so good, man,” Ruiz stated after the fight.“This is what I have been dreaming about. This is what I have been working hard for. I can’t believe I just made my dreams come true. I just want to thank my team and my family. The sky is the limit, baby.”

The first Mexican Heavyweight Champion. Wow! #JoshuaRuiz pic.twitter.com/ZiS3bPu39F

— The Main Event Podcast (@DGS_MainEvent) June 2, 2019

Andy Ruiz Jr., who had to DM Eddie Hearn on Instagram about giving him the fight, beat a person some call one of the best boxers today.

Once holding all of the cards, Anthony Joshua is a man on the outside looking in. As for Andy Ruiz Jr., he is the talk of the boxing world. The man who eats Snickers before and after fights will have enough of that, money and respect to last a lifetime. Mexico’s first Heavyweight Champion created another memorable moment inside Madison Square Garden. This wasn’t a fluke, it was a showcase of skills he’s had along.

That is what makes boxing so great: the unpredictable becoming legendary.