Andy Ruiz Jr has caused a major boil over in the boxing world, downing the previously undefeated Anthony Joshua to claim the WBA, Super, IBF, WBO and IBO heavyweight titles.
Joshua entered the bout as the clear favourite after Ruiz had signed on for the fight in late April as a replacment for Jarrell Miller, who was ruled out following drug test failures.
However from the third round, Ruiz threatened to cause a massive upset.
After getting knocked down Ruiz quickly fought back with a thunderous series of hooks, turning the tables and knocking Joshua down twice in reply.
He would knock Joshua down twice more before the referee decided enough was enough in the seventh round.
The loss is Joshua’s first after 23 professional bouts.
For Ruiz, the new heavyweight champion of the world, the win is his 33rd and undoubtedly the sweetest of all.
Joshua, who has a rematch clause in his contract, confirmed immediately after the fight that he will “100 per cent” take on Ruiz again.
TAZZ
Roar Rookie
I agree reference both the Ruiz v Parker and the Parker v Joshua fight. The ref protected Joshua in the Parker fight and Ruiz took advantage of Joshua yesterday. In the rematch Joshua will have to prove what he is made of and not allow Ruiz to get on the inside of him. We will see what happens in the rematch
mark
Guest
It'll be interesting to watch as Ruiz may be a lot more than someone who got Joshua on an off day. Ruiz vs Parker was very close, on his home soil he probably would've got the decision. Parker vs Joshua was interesting in that Joshua used his reach well to fight from the outside & the ref broke them up every time Parker tried to fight on the inside so he was able to dictate the fight. Then Ruiz on the inside proved too much for Joshua. The rematch will be very interesting & fingers crossed we get some really good matchups over the next few years as there's some nice depth in the current hw division with 3 or 4 fighters who can all beat each other o ntheir day, & a few more who can upset the mix.
TAZZ
Roar Rookie
So Ruiz is victorious, excellent good for him now the real challenge begins, staying the world champ. It’s one thing to win a title, it’s quite another to keep it and history has shown that these Buster Douglas victories are just one trick ponies that are champion for a very short time as they met a not ready champ. Leon Spinks, Hasmin Rockham Holly Holmes (Ufc women’s champion) are prime examples of no hope underdogs while they pulled off the upset couldn’t hold the title for even one successful defence. This is the wake call that Joshua might of needed to refocus and regain the titles in the rematch. Your the champ Ruiz, congratulations! Now let’s see how long you remain champion
nekatsiemanresu
Roar Rookie
haha, I did not. that would've been too simple.
Fraser
Roar Rookie
Dude you didn't take him for the all out win? At least 12/1 in a two horse race. I'm kicking myself I didn't place a bet, and I was at the fight!
nekatsiemanresu
Roar Rookie
Not as surprising as some think. I watched the Parker and Ruiz fight and was split on who won. One thing I took from it was Ruiz could fight, moved forward throughout and could take a punch. When I found out he’d taken the fight against Joshua I decided to put money on him. Unfortunately to win in either the 1st , 3rd or 5th round. Damit!
Fraser
Roar Rookie
Nah, he was done. He spit out his mouthguard.
John Coomer
Roar Guru
Unbelievable, one of the biggest upsets in heavyweight boxing history! Thought the stoppage was premature though, Joshua looked like he could have continued and it would have been interesting to see how Ruiz’s “fitness” would have held up if the bout had have gone another 5 rounds.