ANTHONY JOSHUA has been called up for a trilogy fight for the return of Andy Ruiz Jr.
The Mexican-American caused one of boxing’s biggest shocks in June 2019 when he dethroned AJ of his heavyweight titles in New York.
But Ruiz lost the rematch in Saudi Arabia six months later and the trilogy decider remains in the balance.
The former champion, who returns on August 3 against controversial American Jarrell Miller, credited Joshua for his recent resurgence amid rumors of a trilogy.
Ruiz said: “He’s getting his momentum back. He is regaining his confidence. I think this is the most important thing.
“He’s doing what he’s supposed to do. I think he’s doing what he wants to do. I’m really happy for him. I would love to have this trilogy with him.
“He gave me this opportunity. I gave him that opportunity back, and there is one more.
“I want to become two-time world heavyweight champion.”
Joshua, 34, has won his last four rounds and most recently knocked out MMA star Francis Ngannou in two rounds in March.
Meanwhile, Ruiz, 34, has boxed just twice since his loss to AJ and has not boxed since defeating Luiz Ortiz in September 2022.
How AJ got to the top
ANTHONY JOSHUA clawed his way to the top of the world before being knocked off his perch.
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He returns against serial drug cheat Miller, 34, who he replaced to fight Joshua following the American’s shameful doping bust.
And Ruiz has his sights set on Joshua, Deontay Wilder and Joseph Parker, who the New Zealander lost to in a disputed 2016 decision.
He said, “I have to climb the ladder again.
“After I have these fights and get back into the swing of things, I would love to fight Joseph Parker, Wilder and Joshua.
“The main thing is to train and stay in shape. After this fight I intend to train and train and return in December.”
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