Eddie Hearn may have accidentally confirmed Anthony Joshua WILL fight Andy Ruiz next
AJ's original opponent Jarrell Miller failed a string of drugs tests so the hunt is on to find a replacement for the June 1 bout
EDDIE HEARN may have accidentally confirmed Anthony Joshua's next opponent.
The Matchroom boss is yet to officially announce who AJ will fight on June 1 in his Stateside debut - now just five weeks away.
Of course, the British star was supposed to take on Jarrell Miller but the undefeated American failed a string of drug tests.
So now everyone is desperate to know who is going to step up to the challenge of facing the world champion at Madison Square Garden.
And it could well be Andy Ruiz.
Speaking to reporters at Matchroom's first event in Los Angeles, Hearn was asked if Ruiz will be confirmed as Joshua's opponent.
He said: "Yeah, this weekend you'll get it."
But then - seemingly unable to properly hear the reporter's question - he quickly backtracked and added: "Oh, Andy Ruiz?! I’m not sure!"
Hearn, 39, though, was later full of praise for the American.
I like Andy Ruiz. He’s game, he’s ready. It’s not done, definitely not done, but he’s definitely up there.
Eddie Hearn
He said: "He’s looking good, Ruiz. There’s still things to tie up. It’s definitely not done yet.
"But I like Andy Ruiz. He’s got a nice way and I know he would be one of the guys to give it one million per cent against Joshua.
"He’d let his hands go, he’d come to fight. You saw in here tonight the atmosphere.
"He’s game, he’s ready. It’s not done, definitely not done, but he’s definitely up there.”
Ruiz, 29, is nicknamed The Destroyer and his only defeat in 33 fights came as he challenged Joseph Parker for the WBO title Joshua currently holds.
Hearn was told he seems very keen to get Ruiz in the ring with AJ and he did not deny the suggestion - although Michael Hunter remains another possibility.
Latest boxing news
The promoter added: "Yeah I want someone to come and try and knock Joshua out. That’s what I want.
"I don’t want a guy who turns up not really believing they can win, gets knocked out in two rounds without throwing punches.
"I want a guy that comes with confidence and heart and belief. There’s two or three guys that will do that and Andy’s one of them."
