Now that resurgent two-time heavyweight king Anthony Joshua has fought his way back into form it seems he has a target on his back as a former champion declares he is ‘coming to get’ him.
For several years Joshua was the biggest name in the sport. He went on a superb run of form that saw him pick up three of the four major world titles and knock out the majority of the men he faced. That was until late stand-in Andy Ruiz Jr spoiled things and dramatically stopped ‘AJ’ in Madison Square Garden in New York back in June 2019.
Just months later Joshua avenged that loss before then coming unstuck in back-to-back fights with now undisputed champion Oleksandr Usyk. That period also saw him switch coaches three times before settling with current trainer Ben Davison.
It’s a partnership that is now flourishing as Joshua has put together a run of four wins, the last three of which have been knockouts over Robert Helenius, Otto Wallin and most recently Francis Ngannou back in March.
As such he is now a man in the sights of Ruiz once more. Speaking to BoxNation, the former unified champion was asked if it is only now that Joshua has got back to form following his loss to Ruiz.
“Yeh but what if he was fighting opponents like me and Usyk again? Getting those opponents helped him out, helped him get his motivation back. I’m excited for him, there’s nothing to be hating about. I got a lot of love for him man ’cause he’s a really good guy, he’s humble, but for sure we want that trilogy.”
He was then asked if he took something from Joshua the night he won and ended up calling out Joshua for a third fight.
“Maybe just the confidence a little bit, maybe he was overthinking a bit.
Us fighters we go through so much and a lot of people don’t see it. I’m just happy he’s back in action and so am I. August 3rd, we’re going to get this victory and stay consistent and until I get you again Anthony Joshua.”
Should Ruiz come through his next fight with Jarrell Miller – the man he replaced against Joshua on that infamous night – who knows what could happen in future.
