American heavyweight of Mexican descent Andy Ruiz Jr. has officially signed with Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing.
Ruiz is best known for his stunning upset victory over Anthony Joshua in June 2019, when he stopped the British star to capture the WBA, IBF and WBO world titles. However, “The Destroyer’s” reign proved to be short-lived, as Joshua reclaimed the belts six months later with a clear unanimous decision victory.
Since then, Ruiz—who entered the rematch with AJ in questionable physical condition—has never managed to return to the top of the division, fighting only three times over the following six and a half years.
Now 36 years old, the Mexican-American puncher has been inactive since August 2024, when he fought to a controversial draw against fellow American Jarrell Miller in a bout that many analysts believed he had lost. After winning the first four rounds, Ruiz broke his right hand and struggled to keep his relentless opponent at bay.
Here is what “The Destroyer” had to say about joining Matchroom Boxing:
“I’m so happy and thankful for signing with Matchroom and taking another 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 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.”
Eddie Hearn also expressed his satisfaction with the deal:
“I’m delighted to welcome Andy to the team. The heavyweight landscape is always evolving, and a fully fit and firing Andy Ruiz Jr. is a nightmare for anyone in the division. Andy shocked the world in New York with his stunning victory over AJ, and if ‘The Destroyer’ from that night returns to the ring, there is no doubt he can become a two-time world champion.”