Andy Ruiz has revealed the hidden motive behind his fight against Unified Champion Anthony Joshua as the unfinished business with the WBO title when he lost to New Zealand with Joseph Parker.
Ruiz Jr was always among the favourites to occupy the right side of the bill at the Mecca of boxing, and became the frontrunner after Luis Ortiz’s camp failed in their attempt to wrangle more money from promoter Eddie Hearn.
Hearn said throughout the negotiation period that he was looking for an American fighter who was in training and believed they could win.
Although of Mexican heritage, Ruiz fits the profile – and it was only his rotund figure which caused reservations.
The 32-1 fighter has already been involved in a world title tilt against Joseph Parker in December 2016 for the WBO strap, when his opponent claimed a contentious majority decision win in his homeland of New Zealand.
Joshua beat Parker for that title in March 2018, and in an interview with Matchroom, Ruiz Jr repeatedly cited his ambition to reclaim the maroon, gold-plated leather.
“From the beginning he (Anthony Joshua) has my belt,” Ruiz Jr said. “When I fought Joseph Parker it was for the WBO world title.
“I feel unfinished business with the WBO title because that was my first loss when I went to New Zealand with Joseph Parker. They stole my fight.
“That was my chance to become the first Mexican heavyweight champion of the world and I feel they just took it away.
“This time I’m just going to let everything go and take what’s mine.”
