When boxer Andy Ruiz Jr. took on and defeated Anthony Joshua on Saturday, June 1, he made history. At Madison Square Garden via a seventh round technical knockout, Andy became the first Mexican American heavyweight world champion. And the moment almost didn’t happen.
Originally, Joshua, who made his US debut on Saturday, was supposed to face off against Jarrell “Big Baby” Miller, who failed three drug tests. That’s when Ruiz, who hails from Imperial, California, was called up to replace Miller.
During the fight, Ruiz knocked his opponent down four times, with the last one coming in at the one minute and 27-minute mark of the seventh round. Ruiz pulled off one of the greatest upsets in the heavyweight class and went on to win the World Boxing Assn., World Boxing Organization, and International Boxing Federal belts from Joshua.
After the fight in the ring, Andy said, “This is what I have been dreaming about. This is what I have been working hard for. I can’t believe I just made my dreams come true.”
In another post-fight interview, Ruiz – who had changed into a Knicks jersey, sent a special message to his mom. “Mom, I love you. I love you and our lives is gonna change. We don’t have to struggle no more. Thanks to God. Everything happened for a reason, baby.”
As exciting a moment as it was for Ruiz, it was also important to Mexicans and Mexican Americans. On his Instagram, he captured how his fans reacted after the fight. Check it out below.