The eagerly awaited boxing bout between Anthony Joshua and Dillian Whyte, set for August 12 at London’s O2 Arena, has been called off due to Whyte’s failed drug test, as confirmed by The Voluntary Anti-Doping Association.
One week prior to the heavyweight showdown, VADA issued an official statement, disclosing The Body Snatcher underwent a “random anti-doping protocol,” which resulted in adverse findings. As Joshua is seeking a replacement for Dillian, many options are now on the table including a former rival.
Andy Ruiz calls out Anthony Joshua
Upon learning of Whyte’s unavailability, a past foe of Anthony promptly offered to step in as a replacement for the heavyweight clash. Having fought Joshua twice before, Andy Ruiz looks quite eager for their trilogy bout, a prospect that has the potential to generate tremendous anticipation.
“Let’s get it. Eddie Hearn, Joshua, I think I found the new replacement, again. Let’s run it back. Let’s get the trilogy. Let’s get it.” Ruiz said.
Andy Ruiz putting himself forward to jump in for a trilogy fight vs Anthony Joshua next Saturday… pic.twitter.com/4K4valmIjN
— Michael Benson (@MichaelBensonn) August 5, 2023
The first encounter between Anthony and Andy took place on June 1, 2019, at Madison Square Garden in New York City, USA. Shocking the world, Ruiz Jr. achieved a technical knockout (TKO) victory in the seventh round.
Despite Joshua’s remarkable skills in the ring, he appeared completely bewildered against Ruiz, leading to the latter’s coronation as the new WBA (Super), IBF, WBO, and IBO heavyweight champion.
‼️ Andy Ruiz has now issued a direct call-out video to Anthony Joshua and Eddie Hearn, offering to jump in and make the trilogy fight next Saturday…
[🎥 @Andy_Destroyer1] pic.twitter.com/feOerzPXSd
— Michael Benson (@MichaelBensonn) August 5, 2023
Six months later, on December 7, 2019, in Diriyah, Saudi Arabia, Joshua and Ruiz had their rematch. This time, the Briton emerged triumphant, securing a unanimous decision victory by effectively utilizing his height and reach advantage to control the fight’s pace.
The rematch marked a significant moment in the heavyweight division, as Joshua successfully regained his WBA (Super), IBF, WBO, and IBO heavyweight titles, avenging his previous defeat to Andy Ruiz.
Andy Ruiz snubs potential bout vs Deontay Wilder
For the past two months, Deontay Wilder and Andy Ruiz have been engaging in contract negotiations for a highly anticipated heavyweight showdown. Both boxing superstars have been issuing strong warnings to each other in anticipation of the potential bout.
While Wilder’s match against Anthony Joshua in December is almost confirmed, there is also consideration for Ruiz as The Bronze Bomber’s opponent before that fight. However, uncertainties surrounding the purse split, fight date, location, and other related issues are causing significant delays in confirming the fight.
Wilder’s team is reportedly contemplating Destroyer as The Bronze Bomber’s next opponent, and the bout needs to be scheduled within August. Ruiz also looks eager to make his first appearance in the ring this year.
Andy Ruiz has provided an update on negotiations to make a fight against Deontay Wilder 🗣
Do you think Ruiz can be just the second man to beat Wilder? 🤔#AndyRuiz | #DeontayWilder pic.twitter.com/90A2J9XhMK
— IFL TV (@IFLTV) August 2, 2023
Who do you think would be the ideal opponent for Andy Ruiz – Deontay Wilder or Anthony Joshua? Share your thoughts with us in the comment section.
