Andy Ruiz Jr questions Anthony Joshua fight as uncertainty grows over trilogy

Andy Ruiz Jr has renewed calls for a third fight with Anthony Joshua, saying their rivalry is still incomplete six years after their first meeting. The former unified heavyweight champion recently spoke in an interview reflecting on his two bouts in 2019. Ruiz, now 35-2-1 with 22 knockouts, said both men changed after those bouts and he believes a trilogy would settle the score.

Their first clash ended in a major upset, while the rematch saw Joshua regain his title. Ruiz said he acknowledged his role in the second outcome but insisted that the third fight would see a different outcome if the two fighters met again at their best.

Andy Ruiz demands a trilogy with Anthony Joshua

Ruiz clarified his position while discussing his rivalry with Anthony Joshua on Casino.org. “I think there should be a trilogy with ‘AJ.’ “His life changed when we fought, and my life changed when we fought. I beat him; he is the one who beat me [in the rematch] Because I let him. I let him beat me in the second fight because I was stupid; I should have taken that fight more seriously.”

He said he is not trying to pressure Joshua into a fight. “I’m not going to go out there and force him or push him. But I think it will be a good fight for both of us to come back. But I will definitely beat him 100 percent.” Ruiz said he wants the fight to happen at the right time.

Revisiting the battles of 2019

The rivalry began in June 2019 at Madison Square Garden. Ruiz entered as a late replacement and knocked down Joshua several times before stopping him in the seventh round. The result gave Ruiz the heavyweight title and marked one of the biggest upsets in boxing.

They met again in Saudi Arabia in December 2019. Joshua used a different approach, controlling the 12-round fight to win by decision and regain his belt. Ruiz later admitted that he was in no shape for that fight. “I weighed about 300 pounds, so I was out of shape, and yet I lasted 12 rounds. So, I think when people saw the fight they didn’t see the best in me.”

Ruiz said he wanted another chance to improve on that performance. “I want to redeem myself. I gave my rematch.”

Ruiz reflects on discipline and Joshua’s form

Ruiz said discipline has been important to furthering his career. “Right now, I think patience is key, and I just have to stay motivated and stay disciplined. If you’re not disciplined, shit’s going to happen. And that’s what I wasn’t with AJ.”

Since the rematch, Ruiz has wins against Chris Arreola and Luis Ortiz and a draw with Jarrell Miller. Meanwhile, Anthony Joshua has suffered setbacks, including defeats to Oleksandr Usyk and Daniel Dubois. Ruiz said fighters should not overlook Joshua.

“I think a lot of fighters look at [Joshua’s] The past and the things he’s been through and the losses he’s suffered, but every warrior can save himself. Anyone can come back stronger.” He also told about Joshua’s style. “Sometimes, when he’s fighting, I think he’s too cautious… I think his instincts are what let him down sometimes.”

Ruiz said he will remain patient while waiting for a possible third fight. “I hope it’s good, so we can do a trilogy.”

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Dogley Wilberforce is a boxing writer for SportsNaught, covering fight news, fighter reactions and major bouts in the sport… More about Dogley Wilberforce

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Andy Ruiz Jr. names Tyson Fury as boxing’s highest-rated heavyweight

Andy Ruiz Jr. has sparked new debate in the heavyweight division after naming Tyson Fury as the most decorated active fighter. The comments come just days before Fury returns to the ring, drawing more attention to an already high-profile bout.

Former unified champion Ruiz made the comments during a recent interview in which he was asked to identify the highest-rated boxer in the sport today.

Their response was direct and immediate focused on Fury, a fighter widely considered one of the top heavyweights of his era. The timing of the statement has attracted attention as Fury is preparing to fight again after a period of inactivity and recent defeat.

Andy Ruiz Jr. questions Tyson Fury’s condition

Ruiz initially hesitated before giving his answer. “I don’t know, there are some of them that I want to say, but I don’t want to blow them out.”

“I’m going to say Tyson Fury because they hype him up so much but to me, I don’t even think he’s a crazy fighter. Yes, he’s done a lot in the sport. But I think the only guy he really beat was Wilder. So yes, I’m going to say Tyson Fury.”

Fury, known as “The Gypsy King”, has put together a strong record that includes a trilogy with Deontay Wilder. Their second fight in 2020 ended in a knockout victory for Fury and it remains one of the defining fights of his career.

Ruiz’s comments focus on how Fury is viewed in light of his recent performances. While acknowledging Fury’s accomplishments, Ruiz suggested that the level of praise may exceed the performances he has shown in the ring in recent years.

Tyson Fury returns after defeat by Oleksandr Usyk

Fury is set to return to action against Arslanbek Makhmudov at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London. This fight is his first appearance in 16 months.

His last outing came in December 2024, when he lost a rematch to Oleksandr Usyk in Riyadh. Usyk had also defeated Fury earlier that year, making it four consecutive losses for Fury against the same opponent.

These results have raised questions about Fury’s current position in the division. The upcoming fight gives him a chance to return to winning form and re-establish momentum.

The event also features Conor Benn against Regis Prograis on the same card.

Ruiz remains a notable figure in the heavyweight division. In 2019, he defeated Anthony Joshua by stoppage in New York, scoring four knockdowns and winning multiple world titles.

Joshua regained the belt in a rematch in Saudi Arabia later that year, but Ruiz’s first win remains one of the division’s most significant results in recent years.

As Fury prepares for his return, Ruiz’s comments add another layer to the discussion surrounding the heavyweight landscape. As the division continues to feature several active contenders and upcoming bouts, the focus now turns to Fury’s performance and what lies ahead in his career.

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Dogley Wilberforce is a boxing writer for SportsNaught, covering fight news, fighter reactions and major bouts in the sport… More about Dogley Wilberforce

#Andy #Ruiz #names #Tyson #Fury #boxings #highestrated #heavyweight