We have a new heavyweight champion – and his name is Andy Ruiz, Jr. Last night at Madison Square Garden, the upset of the year occurred when Andy Ruiz knocked out Anthony Joshua in Round 7. The fight started as anticipated. Joshua floored Ruiz in Round 3. However, Ruiz fought back, landing some damaging blows to the head. Enough to knock down Joshua not once, but twice. Then in Round 7, Ruiz would rain combinations on Ruiz, sending him to the canvas again. Enough for the referee to stop the fight.
This bout was supposed to be a tune up for a mega fight with either Deontay Wilder or Tyson Fury. Both considered true equals to Wilder. Joshua had both height and reach advantages over Ruiz, was undefeated and faced more seasoned opposition. Couple this with Ruiz inserted as a late substitute. Ruiz signing for the fight in late April after Joshua’s original opponent, Jarrell “Big Baby” Miller was disqualified after failing multiple pre-fight drug tests. Goes to show you. Anything can happen in boxing!