The big apple was witness again to a historic sports moment after Andy Ruiz Jr. knocked out and upsets Heavyweight star Anthony Joshua on Saturday night to become the newest International Boxing Federation, World Boxing Association and World Boxing Association champion.
He received an early knock down from Joshua but fought his way back in the bout. “I’ve got that Mexican blood in me. Talking about the Mexican style? I just proved it,” accounting his fighting spirit during the match.
Ruiz Jr. was the first Mexican descent to win the division’s title who happens to be an also late replacement challenger after Jarrell Miller failed to pass the drug performance enhancement test.
Dubbed as the ‘Destroyer’, Ruiz lived up to his moniker to score the sensational victory and send shockwaves not just in the Heavyweight division but in the whole of boxing as well. He officially stopped the British boxer in the 1:27 mark of the seventh round.
“I just feel so good, man, this is what I’ve been dreaming about, this is what I’ve been working hard for. I can’t believe I just made my dreams come true”, Ruiz said after the fight during the post fight interview.
Andy Ruiz improved his record to 33 wins (21 KOs), 1 loss.
As for Anthony Joshua, he received his maiden defeat in his professional career after going unblemished in his first 22 fights (all were knockouts). This was also his first bout outside his home country of Great Britain.
“Sorry I let my fans down, sorry I let my supporters down”, Joshua was apologetic on his post fight statement.
Various sporting personalities were also in state of shock after the result :
