Andy Ruiz Jr. is hoping to get a trilogy match against Anthony Joshua after he recaptures his lost heavyweight world titles.
Ruiz (35-2, 22 KOs) wants Joshua to give him the trilogy match he’s been asking for since his loss in their rematch in December 2019. Andy banked $10 million for his two fights against Joshua, and he’s been enjoying his money since then.
Some feel this is one reason why Ruiz’s career has ground to a standstill, with him just fighting a couple of times. If Ruiz’s bank account was zero, I think it’s safe to say he’d have been very busy since 2019.
The former IBF/WBA/WBO champion Ruiz would have gotten the third fight by now if he’d stayed active with his career in the last five years, but he’s only fought twice against 40+-year-old Chris Arreola and Luiz Ortiz.
Ruiz will be fighting next on August 3rd against Jarrell ‘Big Baby’ Miller (26-1-1, 22 KOs) on the undercard of the Terence Crawford vs. Israil Madrimov card at the BMO Bank Arena in Los Angeles.
If Ruiz wins that fight, he will be in a position to fight in a world title eliminator and regain one or more of his belts.
Respect for Joshua’s Resurgence
“He’s getting his mental back, he’s getting his confidence back, and I’m happy for him. But I would love to have a trilogy with him,” Andy Ruiz Jr. told the Fighthype channel about wanting a chance to fight Anthony Joshua a third time.
“He gave me an opportunity, and I gave him back an opportunity and there’s one more. I think that’s good. He’s doing what he’s supposed to do. I salute him,” said Ruiz when asked about his thoughts on Joshua’s recent impressive three-fight winning streak.
It’s important for Ruiz to stop enjoying his money and focus on staying as active as possible if he wants to get the trilogy match with Joshua. Ruiz turns 35 in September and has wasted five of the best years of his career by enjoying the fruits of his labor.
“I’m not here to talk bad about any fighter. I think Joshua is doing his thing, but now it’s my turn. Now that I’m back 100%,” said Ruiz.
Andy’s Focus Points
- Staying busy in the ring
- Maintaining consistency
- Regaining the heavyweight belts
If Ruiz’s management match him the way Joshua’s promoter, Eddie Hearn has, putting him in with guys that are beatable, he could get a chance to fight for a world title soon.
The champions, Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk are both getting old, and he’s got a chance of beating them if he can keep winning.
Ruiz’s Path Back to the Title
“I want to get busy and become a two-time heavyweight champion of the world, and this is just the beginning for me,” Ruiz continued.
“I was supposed to fight in June, but I wanted to get a couple of months to make sure everything was perfectly fine and everything is really, really good.”
Staying injury-free is important for Ruiz, as he’s had a couple of problems that has limited his activity. There was knee surgery and the shoulder. It’s not good for a fighter that deals with lack of ambition and weight the way Ruiz does.
“God willing, we’re going to get that victory on August 3rd, and we’re going to move on, and I just want to keep fighting and staying busy,” said Ruiz about his upcoming fight against Jarrell ‘Big Baby’ Miller. I think that’s the key: staying busy, staying consistent, and getting those belts back.”
