Former unified heavyweight champion has been challenged by surprise name.
Andy Ruiz Jr. will forever be known for his shocking upset stoppage of Anthony Joshua. In June of 2019, the largely unheralded American seized three of the four heavyweight world titles in what was meant to be Joshua’s coming-out party for his United States debut.
It is regarded as one of the biggest upsets in boxing history, and it’s one we are unlikely to see the likes of for quite some time.
It has been almost 7 years since that night. In that time, Joshua has had ten fights, going 7-3. As for Ruiz, he has only fought four times, going 2-1-1.
One of these four fights was the rematch loss to Joshua, with the other three being a win over a 40-year-old Chris Arreola (who Ruiz was dropped by), another win over a 43-year-old Luis Ortiz, and a draw with Jarrell Miller that most thought Ruiz should have lost.
That last outing was in August of 2024.
This activity is very far removed from the lightning-fisted ‘AJ’ conqueror we used to know. No longer is the Californian in the world rankings, and those three world titles seem like oh-so-long ago.
Recent reports are stating that Ruiz has signed with Zuffa Boxing, with an official announcement yet to be made. Dana White’s newly-formed league recently signed another ‘Destroyer’ in the form of Conor Benn.
In addition, Ruiz has been called out by a British heavyweight contender.
Hughie Fury posted to his Instagram a video in which he congratulated Ruiz on the yet-to-be-completely-confirmed news that he has signed with Zuffa. But most interestingly, the cousin of Tyson Fury stated, “I’d love to share the ring with ya’. I do believe you’re one of the best heavyweights out there.”
Fury then mentioned that he and Ruiz were meant to fight before Fury’s fight with Joseph Parker, who both Fury and Ruiz suffered majority-decision losses to for the WBO heavyweight title.
Fury has won four fights since his 2024 return, and a fight with Ruiz would represent his best opponent since he fought Alexander Povetkin in 2019.
Hughie Fury has called out Andy Ruiz Jnr, after the former unified heavyweight world champion, inked a deal with Zuffa Boxing.#fightclub247 #boxing #fighter #forthefans pic.twitter.com/l33c2UnNdR
— Fight Club 24/7 (@fightclub247) February 22, 2026
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