Matchroom Boxing signs former heavyweight champion Ruiz, reignites heavyweight dominance ambitions

Matchroom Boxing signs former heavyweight champion Ruiz, reignites heavyweight dominance ambitions

Matchroom Boxing has secured a high-profile addition to its roster with the signing of Andy Ruiz Jr, the former heavyweight champion who dethroned Anthony Joshua in 2019.

Ruiz joins Eddie Hearn’s promotional stable following his nearly two-year hiatus from professional boxing. The matchmaker praised the Mexican-American athlete’s resilience and potential for redemption in the heavyweight division.

The partnership resurrects notable history between Ruiz and Hearn-managed prospect Joshua, whose professional relationship deteriorated after Ruiz’s shocking upset victory in June 2019. Ruiz’s subsequent loss of the heavyweight title to Joshua in their rematch marked a turning point in his career trajectory.

“I believe everything happens for a reason and I’m so grateful God is giving me a second opportunity to do everything right,” Ruiz stated through Matchroom Boxing’s official channels. “Sometimes God breaks you to make you a better person and a better fighter.”

The fighter’s upcoming return marks his first competitive appearance since defeating Chris Arreola and Luis Ortiz, with his most recent result being a draw against Jarrell Miller in August 2024. Ruiz has publicly expressed ambitions of regaining world championship status through Matchroom’s platform.

“I’m so happy and thankful for signing with Matchroom and taking other step forward to continue my mission and to become a two-time champion of the world for Mexico.

“I believe everything happens for a reason and I’m so grateful God is giving me a second opportunity to do everything right.

“Sometimes God breaks you to make you a better person and a better fighter. I made history with Matchroom and the DAZN and best believe we are going to do it again in God almighty’s name, amen baby, let’s go!

“Thank you to all my coaches for still believing in me, we are going to make a big statement in the heavyweight division.”

Ruiz’s anticipated comeback bout against Damian Knyba is scheduled for September 4 and is expected to be finalized and announced this week. The match will serve as Ruiz’s first fight under the Matchroom promotional banner and will likely feature DAZN as the primary broadcast partner, mirroring the platform’s role in his previous Matchroom-affiliated bouts.

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