Anthony Joshua vs. Andy Ruiz Jr.

Anthony Joshua vs. Andy Ruiz Jr

Anthony Joshua vs. Andy Ruiz Jr. was a professional boxing match that took place on June 1, 2019, at Madison Square Garden in New York City, United States. It was one of the most significant upsets in heavyweight boxing history, with Andy Ruiz Jr. defeating Anthony Joshua to win the WBA (Super), IBF, WBO, and IBO heavyweight titles. The bout was highly anticipated, as Anthony Joshua, a British boxer, was making his U.S. debut and was considered one of the top heavyweights in the world.

Background

Anthony Joshua entered the fight with an undefeated record, holding multiple heavyweight titles. He was known for his power, athleticism, and technical skill, having won a gold medal in the 2012 Olympics. Andy Ruiz Jr., an American boxer of Mexican heritage, was a last-minute replacement for Joshua's original opponent, Jarrell Miller, who was unable to fight due to failing multiple drug tests. Despite being a significant underdog, Ruiz had a respectable record and was known for his fast hands and durability.

The Fight

The fight began with Joshua taking an early lead, using his reach advantage to control the distance. However, in a dramatic turn of events, Ruiz knocked Joshua down four times over the course of the match. The first knockdown came in the third round, shocking the audience and changing the momentum of the fight. Joshua managed to get back on his feet, but Ruiz's pressure was relentless. In the seventh round, after two more knockdowns, the referee called a stop to the bout, declaring Andy Ruiz Jr. the winner by technical knockout (TKO).

Aftermath

The victory for Andy Ruiz Jr. was historic, as he became the first boxer of Mexican descent to win a heavyweight title. The upset was compared to Mike Tyson's loss to Buster Douglas in 1990, one of the biggest upsets in boxing history. The loss was a significant setback for Anthony Joshua and his team, prompting a rematch clause to be activated shortly after the fight.

The rematch, known as "Ruiz vs. Joshua II," took place on December 7, 2019, in Diriyah, Saudi Arabia. In the rematch, Anthony Joshua adopted a more cautious approach, utilizing his jab and movement to win a unanimous decision and reclaim his heavyweight titles.

Legacy

The first fight between Anthony Joshua and Andy Ruiz Jr. is remembered as a landmark event in heavyweight boxing. It highlighted the unpredictable nature of the sport and served as a reminder that no boxer is invincible. The upset victory by Ruiz has been inspirational to many, demonstrating that determination and perseverance can overcome seemingly insurmountable odds.