It’s the biggest upset in the heavyweight category since Hasim Rahman vs Lennox Lewis and James “Buster” Douglas vs Mike Tyson!
And Andy Ruiz Jr. is the new IBF, WBA and WBO heavyweight Champion after recording a stunning victory against Anthony Joshua.
Ruiz (33-1, 22 KOs) spoiled the long-awaited U.S. debut of the unified heavyweight champion to score four knockdowns and record a spectacular upset via seventh-round TKO at Madison Square Garden.
Joshua (22-1, 21 KOs) never quite recovered from a pair of shocking knockdowns in Round 3 that took place shortly after he dropped Ruiz for the first time in the American’s career.
Ruiz never backed down from there despite letting Joshua off the hook in Round 4 when it was clear both fighters were heavily fatigued.
Two knockdowns later in Round 7 and referee Michael Griffin jumped in at 1:27 to wave the fight off as Joshua was weary on his feet.
Ruiz took the fight with Joshua on just four weeks’ notice after Jarrell “Big Baby” Miller failed a trio of drug tests.
Now Ruiz becomes the power player in a renaissance division that also includes WBC champion Deontay Wilder and fellow unbeaten lineal champion Tyson Fury.
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