Andy Ruiz Jr. has etched his name in the annals of boxing history with one of the most stunning upsets ever seen in the sport. Known as “the man who created the greatest overthrow in history,” Ruiz delivered a knockout blow to Anthony Joshua, leaving the former heavyweight champion humiliated and reluctant to seek another rematch. This monumental victory not only redefined Ruiz’s career but also shook the foundations of the boxing world.

On June 1, 2019, Andy Ruiz Jr. stepped into the ring at Madison Square Garden as a heavy underdog against the undefeated Anthony Joshua. Few expected Ruiz, with his unassuming physique and lack of mainstream recognition, to pose a serious threat to the towering Joshua, who held the WBA (Super), IBF, WBO, and IBO heavyweight titles.

In a fight that defied expectations, Ruiz knocked Joshua down four times before the match was stopped in the seventh round. This victory by technical knockout crowned Ruiz as the first Mexican-American heavyweight champion and left the boxing community in shock. His win is widely regarded as one of the greatest upsets in boxing history, drawing comparisons to other legendary upsets like Buster Douglas defeating Mike Tyson.

Anthony Joshua, who had been touted as the future of heavyweight boxing, was left reeling from the defeat. The loss not only stripped him of his titles but also dealt a significant blow to his reputation. Joshua’s performance was heavily criticized, and the defeat exposed vulnerabilities that many believed could be exploited by future opponents.

Despite regaining his titles in a rematch later that year, Joshua’s reluctance to face Ruiz again has been evident. The rematch in Saudi Arabia saw Joshua adopt a more cautious, strategic approach, earning a unanimous decision victory but failing to erase the memory of his initial defeat. The hesitation to engage in a third fight with Ruiz underscores the psychological impact of the historic upset.

Andy Ruiz Jr.’s victory over Anthony Joshua serves as a powerful symbol of determination and perseverance. His story resonates with many fans who see his triumph as proof that hard work and self-belief can overcome any odds. Ruiz’s journey from underdog to champion has inspired countless individuals, both within and outside the sport of boxing.

Since his historic victory, Ruiz has continued to be a significant figure in the heavyweight division. While his subsequent performances have seen mixed results, his ability to pull off one of the greatest upsets in boxing history ensures that he will always be remembered as a formidable competitor. Ruiz remains focused on reclaiming his titles and proving that his victory over Joshua was no fluke.

Andy Ruiz Jr.’s win over Anthony Joshua had far-reaching implications for the heavyweight division. It demonstrated that even the most dominant champions could be dethroned by determined challengers, adding a new layer of excitement and unpredictability to the sport. The upset reshuffled the rankings and opened the door for other contenders to challenge for the titles.