BOXING
Who can be a potential replacement in Anthony Joshua’s next fight?
Dillian Whyte, the British boxer, has failed another doping test, leading to the question of who would be the ideal replacement to fight Joshua?
The upcoming heavyweight professional boxing match at London’s “O2 Arena” on August 12 was highly anticipated by fans. Unfortunately, Dillian White failed a doping test, causing problems for himself and the event. As a result, former world champion Anthony Joshua requires a new opponent.
The “Matchroom” promotion has a potential solution if Joshua agrees to it - American-Mexican boxer Andy Ruiz Jr., who has expressed his desire to fight Joshua again after facing him twice before in the ring.
“We need that trilogy...” In response to a video he posted showing him in excellent physical condition, Ruiz replied to Eddie Hearn’s tweet. According to sources close to his team, the 33-year-old Ruiz now weighs around 95 kilograms, much better than the 129 kilograms he weighed during his immobile performance against Joshua in 2019. After defeating Cuban Luis Ortiz unanimously, the 188-centimeter tall boxer with quick hands took a long break. Ruiz boasts a professional record of 35 wins (22 KOs) and 2 losses.
In 2019 Joshua experienced a decline in his career after his match with Ruiz. Ruiz replaced Joshua’s opponent, Jerel Martin, who failed a drug test. Despite being an underdog, Ruiz achieved a TKO in the sixth round, taking away Joshua’s WBA, IBF, and WBO titles.
Joshua did regain those titles in the immediate rematch but later suffered two defeats to the current champion, Alexander Usyk, from Ukraine.