By Ojukwu Emmanuel Chiadikaobi
Former heavyweight champion Andy Ruiz Jr. has reignited the rivalry with Nigerian-born British boxer Anthony Joshua by publicly pleading for a third showdown in the ring. Ruiz’s call for a trilogy comes in the wake of his ongoing quest for redemption following his loss to Joshua in their rematch.
In a seismic upset in 2019, Ruiz sent shockwaves through the boxing world by dethroning Joshua to claim the world heavyweight title in New York. However, Joshua swiftly reclaimed his belts in a highly anticipated rematch held in Saudi Arabia six months later, signaling a shift in momentum.
Subsequently, Joshua faced setbacks in his career, losing all his titles to Ukrainian pugilist Oleksandr Usyk in consecutive bouts. Conversely, Ruiz’s defeat to Joshua had a similar impact on his standing within the sport, leading both fighters to undergo periods of introspection and rebuilding.
Despite their respective setbacks, Joshua has managed to resurrect his career with three consecutive victories over the past year, reclaiming his status as a formidable contender in the heavyweight division. Meanwhile, Ruiz continues to navigate the turbulent waters of professional boxing, seeking to regain his former glory.
As Ruiz prepares to face Jarrell Miller in an upcoming bout scheduled for August 3, he has publicly acknowledged Joshua’s resurgence and expressed a heartfelt desire for a third encounter in the ring. “He’s getting his momentum back. He’s getting his confidence back. I think that’s the most important thing. He’s doing what he’s supposed to do. I think he’s doing his thing. I’m just happy for him. I would love to have that trilogy with him,” Ruiz stated.
Ruiz’s plea for a trilogy underscores his unwavering determination to reclaim the heavyweight crown and cement his legacy in the annals of boxing history. For Ruiz, a third bout with Joshua represents not only a chance for redemption but also an opportunity to etch his name as a two-time heavyweight champion of the world.
As the boxing world eagerly awaits developments regarding a potential trilogy between Ruiz and Joshua, the stage is set for another chapter in their epic rivalry, promising fans a spectacle of athleticism, determination, and raw power.