Follow usAnthony Joshua is in desperate need to find an opponent for next Saturday and his ‘old friend’ Andy Ruiz Jr says he’s happy to take that spot.
AJ was set to fight Dillian Whyte in a rematch from their 2015 British Heavyweight Championship encounter. Back then Joshua won by knockout, but a rematch will never happen because of White’s failed doping test.
It is understood the show will continue without The Bone Crusher – who has already had two previous doping clashes – and Joshua’s team are now scrambling to find a replacement. Ruiz wants to be that guy in the opposite corner and even sent a message to Joshua and his promoter Eddie Hearn.
“Eddie Hearn, Joshua, I think I’ve found a new replacement – again!” Let’s do it again. Let’s take the trilogy. Let’s do it.”, Ruiz said. In 2019 Joshua was set to make his American debut against Jarell Miller before the Brooklyn-born boxer tested positive for doping.
Andy Ruiz Jr looking in shape! Tells Anthony Joshua he wants to give him that Trilogy work. Will Eddie Hearn Bring Ruiz in again as a late replacement with Dillian Whyte out of next week’s fight for failing a PED test? THOUGHTS? Who should replace WHYTE? #AndyRuiz #EGO pic.twitter.com/cBr5FWgocP
— BOXINGEGO (@Boxingego) August 5, 2023
Ruiz was selected for replacement and pulled off one of the biggest heavyweight upsets of all time, knocking Joshua out in the seventh round and winning the WBA, WBO and IBF titles. Joshua managed to regain the belts just 6 months later in a rematch.
Joshua to fight Dubois on September 21st at Wembley 
Joshua put out the lights for Ngannou with 2nd round knock out 
Official: Joshua – Ngannou fight on March 8 
