Anthony Joshua called out for trilogy fight as ex-champ announces return against controversial rival
ANTHONY JOSHUA has been called out to a trilogy fight by the returning Andy Ruiz Jr.
The Mexican-American pulled off one of boxing’s great shocks in June 2019 when he dethroned AJ of the heavyweight titles in New York.
But Ruiz lost the rematch in Saudi Arabia six months later and a trilogy decider remains on the table.
The ex-champion, who returns on August 3 against controversial American Jarrell Miller, credited Joshua for his recent resurgence amid talk of a trilogy.
Ruiz said: “He’s getting his momentum back. He’s getting his confidence back. I think that’s the most important thing.
“He’s doing what he’s supposed to do. I think he’s doing his thing. I’m just happy for him. I would love to have that trilogy with him.
“He gave me that opportunity. I gave him back that opportunity, and there’s one more.
“I want to become a two-time heavyweight champion of the world.”
Joshua, 34, has won his last four on the spin and most recently knocked out MMA superstar Francis Ngannou, 37, in two rounds in March.
Meanwhile Ruiz, 34, has boxed just twice since defeat to AJ and has not done so since beating Luiz Ortiz, 45, in September 2022.
How AJ punched his way to the top
ANTHONY JOSHUA punched his way to the top of the world before being knocked off his perch.
From humble origins in Watford to Olympic hero, the boxer has made a heavyweight impact in and out of the ring.
Eddie Hearn claims a collision with rival Tyson Fury could be worth a whopping £200million.
The pair’s bitter feud saw them refuse to say a word to each other as they met Cristiano Ronaldo in Saudi Arabia.
Joshua has already hinted at when he will hang up his gloves.
And he revealed why his son will NEVER be allowed to box. despite amassing a £215m empire thanks to the sweet science.
AJ enjoys a lavish lifestyle including private jets and a £350k watch.
His career and sponsorship deals have seen him swap his council estate upbringing for a luxury car collection.
London hairdresser Kika Osunde is believed to have swept the KO king off his feet.
But Joshua still lives with his mum Yeta when he is not on the road.
Check out all our Anthony Joshua articles here.
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He makes his return against serial drugs cheat Miller, 34, who he replaced to fight Joshua after the American’s shameful doping bust.
And Ruiz has his sights set on Joshua, Deontay Wilder, 38, and Joseph Parker, 32, who New Zealander he lost to in a disputed 2016 decision.
He said: “I have to climb up the ladder again.
“After I do these fights and get back into the groove, I’d love to fight Joseph Parker, Wilder and Joshua.
“The main thing is training and staying in shape. After this fight, I plan on training and training and come back in December.”