Heavyweight contender, Andy Ruiz Jr, will get a second shot at a heavyweight title, three actually, when he faces Anthony Joshua at the Maddison Square Garden, New York, on June 1.
After two weeks of searching for a worthy replacement for Joshua’s original contender, Jarrell ‘Big Baby’ Miller, who embarrassed himself following his failed drug test scandal, Matchroom Boxing promoter, Eddie Hearn, has announced Ruiz as the new man to do battle with the world heavyweight champion.
If Ruiz is successful, he will be the first Mexican to win a heavyweight world title.
“The chills — I’m really excited for this fight. 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 (Julio Cesar) Chavez, (Mike) Tyson, (Evander) 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.” — Andy Ruiz Jr.
Hearn believes Ruiz is the opponent fans have been waiting for to face Joshua, seeing as both men are already fired up for the encounter.
Joshua has everything to lose when he goes up against Ruiz, his titles and his unbeaten record. The California born fighter, on the other hand, only has his reputation on the line for the AJ bout.
“People talk about fighting AJ, some even have to fill their bodies with PEDs to try and beat him up, but very few genuine fighters step up and take the challenge,
“When we selected the opponent, I wanted someone with fire in their heart, someone who genuinely believed that they can win and become world heavyweight champion. Andy showed that desire. In my opinion, this is a tougher test than Jarrell Miller. Andy punches harder and is much faster. This is going to be a war. Andy brings Mexican heart, but he will meet the best heavyweight in the world on June 1 head-on at the Garden.” — Eddie Hearn
Featured image source: Daily Star