Andy Ruiz Jr. has named the list of opponents he would like to face next, which includes Anthony Joshua.
The former unified heavyweight champion’s biggest win came when he stopped Joshua on the latter’s American debut with a seventh-round TKO win. In the rematch, however, Ruiz was out of sorts as Joshua coasted to a unanimous-decision win. However, in the aftermath, Ruiz admitted that his preparation was not the best as the boxer did pile on the pounds. And now the Mexican admitted that he did not train for the AJ fight, as he targeted the Brit as well as other big-name bouts.
“I would like to face Usyk, I would like to face Tyson Fury and I would like to face Anthony Joshua, I didn’t do nothing right, I didn’t train. How did I last 12 rounds? That was for him to knock me out easy. This time when I do get the crown and become heavyweight champion of the world again, I’m going to do everything right and stay champion,” Ruiz
A fight with Joshua could play out if the Brit cannot secure a fight with Deontay Wilder. And with their record at 1-1, a third fight would settle that rivalry once and for all. As for a Wilder fight, the two boxers failed to agree terms for the WBC title eliminator. Wilder’s team had offered Ruiz a 70-30 split, while the latter demanded 50-50. An agreement could not be reached as the bout never materialized. Meanwhile, a fight with Usyk is unlikely as the latter chases an undisputed fight with Tyson Fury.
Social Media Reaction
If im AJ im ducking 😭
— AnbuVidz (@AnbuVidz) September 8, 2023
Andy Ruiz is so desperate he’s fell off so bad since the AJ loss
— ROBOT BOXING (@ROBOTBOXINGYT) September 8, 2023
AJ won't go anywhere near Andy Ruiz.
— The Mighty Blackeye (@icicle_solace1) September 9, 2023