Andy Ruiz Jr.: The Underdog Champion Who Shocked The Boxing World

Back in June, Andy Ruiz Jr. was a little known fighter from Mexico. When he went up against Anthony Joshua, arguably the best fighter in boxing right now, expectations were low. Ruiz apparently missed that memo, though, as he beat Joshua via technical knockout, winning the WBA (Super), IBF, WBO, and IBO titles in the process. This victory was not just a win; it was a historic upset that shook the boxing community to its core!

Ruiz's odds for the fight varied by sportsbook but were as high as 25:1 in some places. His triumph is now remembered as one of the biggest upsets in boxing history. Prior to that fateful fight, Ruiz's career earnings totaled only $300,000. However, after dropping Joshua, he made a staggering $7 million. Don’t feel too bad for Joshua; he earned $25 million from the fight when all was said and done!

Now, the two are preparing to face off again in a rematch in Saudi Arabia. How much does each stand to make? Despite winning the first fight, Ruiz’s purse is still significantly less than what Joshua can earn. This disparity largely stems from Joshua’s promotional team, Matchroom Boxing. The company’s leader, Eddie Hearn, received a $40 million site fee simply by bringing the “Clash of the Dunes” to Saudi Arabia.

Coupled with Joshua’s star power – he’s still the most popular British fighter in the world – his side’s projected purse for the rematch is a whopping $60 million. Of course, that’s before things like taxes and trainer fees. Even so, it’s a huge chunk of change.

Meanwhile, Ruiz’s earnings are more set in stone, thanks to a rematch clause in the contract from the first fight. He’ll make $9 million from the fight, plus any outside endorsements. This will mark Ruiz’s largest purse to date!

When the two touch gloves on Saturday, the big question will be whether Ruiz can pull off another victory. If he does, his next payday will be even sweeter.

Table of Contents

• Biography
• Personal Details
• The Upset Victory
• The Rematch
• Financial Aspects of the Fight
• Final Thoughts

Biography

Andy Ruiz Jr. was born on September 11, 1989, in Imperial, California, to Mexican immigrant parents. He began boxing at a young age and quickly developed a passion for the sport. Ruiz's boxing style is characterized by his quick hands and agility, making him a formidable opponent in the ring.

Personal Details

The Upset Victory

When Andy Ruiz Jr. faced Anthony Joshua in June, the boxing world was buzzing with excitement. Most experts believed that Joshua would easily defend his titles. However, Ruiz had other plans. His quick footwork and powerful punches allowed him to dominate the fight, leading to a technical knockout in the seventh round. Fans and commentators alike were left in disbelief!

The Rematch

As anticipation builds for the rematch in Saudi Arabia, both fighters are preparing for what promises to be another thrilling encounter. Ruiz's confidence has soared since their last fight, and he is eager to prove that his victory was not a fluke. Joshua, on the other hand, is determined to reclaim his titles and restore his reputation as a top heavyweight.

Financial Aspects of the Fight

The financial stakes for the rematch are enormous. While Joshua stands to earn significantly more due to his star power and promotional backing, Ruiz is not without his own financial gains. His earnings from the first fight have set him up to make a substantial profit in the rematch. This fight has not only transformed their careers but also their financial futures!

Final Thoughts

As fans eagerly await the rematch, the story of Andy Ruiz Jr. serves as a reminder of the unpredictability of sports. His journey from an underdog to a champion is inspiring, and it highlights the importance of perseverance and hard work. Whether Ruiz can pull off another victory remains to be seen, but one thing is for sure: he has captured the hearts of boxing fans around the world!