Eddie Hearn has added to his promotional stable by signing one of Anthony Joshua‘s former conquerors.
Hearn has backed Joshua throughout his entire professional career, guiding the Brit from his debut all the way to unified world heavyweight champion.
There have been some bumps in the road along the way, notably when Joshua lost his heavyweight crown in an upset defeat to Andy Ruiz Jr in June 2019.
Fans had high hopes for Ruiz following the win, but it didn’t transpire that way as he lost his belts in the immediate rematch to Joshua, and he has only competed three times since, defeating Chris Arreola and Luis Ortiz before drawing with Jarrell Miller in August 2024.
After two years out of the ring, Ruiz is now set to return, and he will be doing so under the Matchroom promotional banner after it was announced he will be joining forces with Hearn.
“I’m so happy and thankful for signing with Matchroom and taking other step forward to continue my mission and to become a two-time champion of the world for Mexico.
“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 the 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.”
Ruiz is scheduled to return to action in September, with a planned bout against Damian Knyba on September 4 in Newark, New Jersey expected to be announced this week.
