Former heavyweight champion Andy Ruiz Jnr signs with Matchroom Boxing

Former unified heavyweight champion Andy Ruiz Jnr has signed a multi-fight promotional deal with Matchroom Boxing.

Ruiz, 35-2-1 (22 KOs), famously stopped Anthony Joshua in June 2019 to claim the WBA, WBO and IBF titles in one of the biggest heavyweight upsets of all-time. Joshua would go on to reclaim his titles later that year with a unanimous decision victory in Saudi Arabia. Ruiz was on the opposing side on both nights but has now joined forces with Joshua’s longtime promoter Eddie Hearn.

Ruiz has not fought since a majority draw with Jarrell Miller back in August 2024, the man he replaced to face Joshua for his upset win, but Matchroom have teased an announcement for his return this week. The Ring reported earlier this week that Ruiz was in talks to face Damian Knyba in New Jersey on September 4.

“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,” said Ruiz Jnr, now 36 years old. “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.”

Hearn of Matchroom believes that Ruiz’s return to the ring could lead to another crack at a heavyweight title.

“I’m delighted to welcome Andy to the team,” said Hearn. “The heavyweight landscape is always evolving, and a fully fit and firing Andy Ruiz Jnr 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.”