Andy Ruiz Jr. has found a new promotional home. Matchroom Boxing announced on Tuesday that it has signed the 36-year-old former unified heavyweight champion, teasing that fight news for Ruiz will be revealed soon.
In a post on X, Matchroom wrote: “Unfinished business in the Heavyweight division. Welcome to the team, Andy Ruiz Jr. Fight news dropping soon for the former Unified World Champion.”
The signing is an interesting one given Ruiz’s history with the company. In June 2019, Ruiz pulled off one of the biggest upsets in heavyweight history by stopping Matchroom’s flagship fighter, Anthony Joshua, in the seventh round at Madison Square Garden to capture the WBA, IBF and WBO heavyweight titles. Joshua reclaimed the belts six months later in their rematch in Saudi Arabia.
Ruiz has fought only sporadically since that victory over Joshua. He defeated Chris Arreola in 2021, outpointed Luis Ortiz in 2022, and most recently fought Jarrell Miller to a 12-round draw in August 2024. Long layoffs, injuries, and weight issues have slowed the momentum he built from his stunning championship win.
In the promotional video released by Matchroom, Ruiz said he is mentally stronger, hungrier than ever, and still believes he poses a threat to the top names in the heavyweight division.
The immediate question is how Matchroom plans to use Ruiz. The heavyweight division is already crowded with contenders and former champions, and Ruiz is no longer viewed as a major title threat after nearly two years out of the ring. However, his name recognition and the lasting impact of his victory over Joshua still make him a valuable addition.
With Matchroom already promoting Joshua, the possibility of a trilogy fight cannot be completely ruled out if Ruiz can rebuild with a couple of wins. For now, the focus shifts to the fight announcement the promoter says is coming soon and whether Ruiz can revive a career that has lacked consistency since reaching the top of the sport.
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Last Updated on 2026/07/08 at 3:09 PM
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