Former heavyweight champion, Andy Ruiz Jr, has hinted at the possibility of a trilogy bout with British boxer Anthony Joshua, News About Nigeria reports.
The two fighters first had a face off in June 2019, when Ruiz Jr scored a surprising knockout victory, claiming the WBA (Super), IBF, WBO, and IBO titles. However, Joshua avenged his defeat later that year with a unanimous decision victory.
While negotiations for a possible showdown between Joshua and Deontay Wilder have stalled, there is growing interest in a third bout between Joshua and Ruiz Jr.
Promoter Eddie Hearn has been exploring alternative opponents for Joshua if the Wilder fight doesn’t materialize by December this year, and Ruiz Jr is said to have made himself available for another chance.
Taking to X, Ruiz Jr posted a tweet along with a punching emoji, saying, “Let’s do this Eddie Hearn.” The post has since garnered speculations about the possibility of a trilogy fight between the two heavyweight contenders.
Although Joshua’s camp has been in discussions with Saudi Arabia regarding the Wilder fight, Hearn has indicated that facing Filip Hrgovic or engaging in a third bout with Ruiz Jr could be viable options.
However, such a fight would likely take place outside the UK, given that Joshua has recently fought twice at the O2 Arena within a space of four months.
Hearn stated, “It would need to be a step up, but it would probably take place outside of the UK, he’s just boxed two fights at the O2 [Arena] in four months.
“There’s no guarantee he’ll fight in December, and we still wanna make the Wilder fight. I’ve already reached out to Saudi Arabia to say, “Whoever is moving boxing forward, we have agreed this and we’re ready. If you want to do that, fine. If not, no problem,” Hearn added.
