Andy Ruiz Jr Demands $50 Million to Rematch Anthony Joshua in the UK!
If Team Joshua wants a rematch in the UK, they are going to have to pay!
On June 1, Andy “Destroyer” Ruiz Jr (33-1, 22 KO’s) abruptly shook up the heavyweight division by scoring an unexpected seventh round TKO over former champion Anthony Joshua. In beating Joshua, Ruiz collected his WBO, WBA and IBF heavyweight titles. Obviously, this was a devastating blow for Joshua, Eddie Hearn, and Matchroom Promotions.
In lightening quick fashion, Team Joshua announced that they would invoke their immediate rematch clause. They are shooting to stage that match later this year around November or December. While Team Joshua could force an immediate rematch, they cannot outright dictate the location. Without question, they would prefer for that do-over to take place over in the UK, Joshua’s comfort zone.
In a recent interview conducted by Marcos Villegas for Fight Hub TV, Andy Ruiz Jr indicated that he was willing to travel to the UK. However, Ruiz Jr would only make the trek for the tune of $5o million dollars!
Last year, in a now infamous move, Anthony Joshua turned down a $5o million dollar offer to face WBC heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder (41-0-1, 40 KO’s) in the US. When presented this option, Team Joshua doubted that the money was real and walked away from the staggering sum of money. In the end, Joshua wound up fighting in America anyway and for a whole lot less money.
Ironically, now that the tables have turned, Team Joshua will have to put together their own $5o million dollar package if they want the exciting rematch back to their home soil. If the bout doesn’t take place in the UK, Ruiz has expressed interest in fighting in the US or Mexico. Ruiz Jr is the first Mexican heavyweight champion in history. Therefore, a bout in Mexico would make for a huge and history making event.
Now that the ball is back in Team Joshua’s court, we will have to wait and see what they choose to do. Stay tuned to 3kingsboxing for the latest boxing news and updates.
By: Bakari Simpson
