Andy Ruiz issues a statement after his major upset victory over Anthony Johsua.
Prior to Saturday night, Andy Ruiz Jr. entered his late-replacement fight against Anthony Joshua as a huge +1100 underdog. These odds made his seventh-round TKO victory over the then undefeated Joshua much more notable, marking one of the biggest upsets in recent heavyweight boxing history.
In less than 20 minutes of action, the 29-year-old boxer became the WBA, IBF, IBO and WBO heavyweight champion. Right after the fight, Ruiz took time to dedicate his win to everyone who has held an underdog status, and like him, have been constantly counted out by the majority.
Since no other heavyweight wanted to take the fight was I supposed to not believe in myself?? This fight is for all my underdogs who are always counted out all my fat boys who are never given a chance overlooked simply for their weight #snickers #joshuaruiz https://t.co/5iKujIQGnI
— AndyRuizjr (@Andy_destroyer1) May 1, 2019
Ruiz’s victory was greatly impressive, that he might’ve just gotten himself a new product sponsor.
Congrats on that SATISFYING fight last night @Andy_destroyer1
— SNICKERS® (@SNICKERS) June 2, 2019
The plans for Ruiz’s career after the huge win has not been established yet. Although a part two with Joshua may pan out in the future, the British boxer says he actually entered the fight with no rematch clause in place.
“I didn’t even ask about a rematch clause because I was so confident I was going to win,” Joshua told the Guardian after the fight. “If it’s there, we’ll go again and I’ll get the titles back. I’m going to beat him up. I’m not dwelling on it. You just correct it, you adjust, you sit down, you focus and you go again.”
Ruiz’s victory over Joshua improves his record to 33-1 (with 22 wins by knockout).