Andy Ruiz Jr says he ‘calls the shots now’ ahead of Anthony Joshua rematch and reveals he would like fight in LA
NEW UNIFIED heavyweight champion Andy Ruiz Jr insists he “calls the shots now” ahead of a rematch against Anthony Joshua.
On Saturday night 25/1 underdog Ruiz, 29, rose from a third round knockdown to twice floor Joshua, also 29, in the same stanza as the unthinkable began to unfold in New York.
Ruiz systematically broke down the Brit superstar for the remaining rounds until in the seventh Joshua was beaten to the deck twice more, leaving ref Mike Griffin waving off the contest.
With a rematch hinted for November or December in the UK, Ruiz told he is the man in power in the negotiation room - with three world titles proof to his claim.
Ruiz said: “I don’t want to let those belts go. I’m going to stay dedicated.
“I have the upper advantage right now. I know that’s what (Hearn) says (about UK rematch). As long as I talk to Al Haymon and my team, we’re going to figure it out where.
“It really doesn’t matter where, as long as we get back in the ring if we show the fans what they want to see.
“I’d love to have it here [New York] or in LA. I have to look at the contract. I’m the champion. I call the shots now. So we’re going to see what happens.”
Ruiz scored the greatest heavyweight upset since James “Buster” Douglas knocked out Mike Tyson in Tokyo, Japan in 1990.
The underdog champion was ridiculed for his podgy frame, labelled a “fat slob” and likened to the chubby character from the Disney film Up.
But few gave the Mexican-American a prayer as they discounted the fast hands that proved too quick and too powerful for Joshua on his highly promoted US debut.
Despite causing a great sporting upset on a diet of Snickers bars, 19stone Ruiz admitted he will work to “look better” with his ability set to only enhance with a stricter diet.
Ruiz added: “It makes me feel good having to shut-up all the British people, and all the people that were doubting me. They’ve been doubting me all my life. The way I look.
“The plan is to get in really good shape, and look better.
“I’m not trying to stay like this. I know I can have more ability being in shape, looking like a Mexican AJ. I just got to work hard to keep these belts.”