In one of the strangest boxing stories in history we take a look at the possible mega rematch between Anthony Joshua vs Andy Ruiz Jr. possible Rematch.

The History / What we Know

Andy Ruiz Junior won the Anthony Joshua jackpot /  sweepstakes after a Big Baby Miller tested positive for drugs and signed for a fight with the super champion. The contact signed included a rematch Clause in case Anthony Joshua lost.

The rematch clause supposedly has every single T Crossed and every single I Dotted.

As the World Knows, Ruiz shocked the MSG crowd and made news the world over the first weekend of June 2019. Thanks to the power of social media, everyone knows who Andy Ruiz Jr. is.

The Rematch:

Both boxers want the rematch. AJ told Eddie Hearn to decide the location. Hearn wanted the UK, then Ruiz complained that he doesn’t trust AJ’s home field advantage especially after Heavyweight Whyte tested positive and was allowed to fight his fight last month.

Hearn takes the money grab from  Saudi Arabia and declares the fight to be a neutral ground.  Hearn insists that the contracts have been signed and that Andy Ruiz Junior has no choice but to abide by the bound contract.

It Takes Two to Tango:

Ruiz Playing a Big Game.  Now that Andy Ruiz Junior has tasted money and glory, PBC  is whispering in his ear that he should get more money to go to the Middle East and fight.  His team doesn’t think it’s fair that Anthony Joshua who lost their original fight is getting paid tenfold what the champion is getting paid.

Hearn nonetheless has a big press conference this past Monday and announces the fight signed sealed and delivered. Hearn states that Ruiz has no say in the matter.

The Lawyers & The Game:

Ruiz gave a chance to Hearn to Up the money and Hearn said No! Now two things are at play.

1. Ruiz is playing the Safety Card and he can’t go to the Middle East for his safety. Very smart play that could hold up in court.

Remember the highlighted / Bolded word in the above article, “SUPPOSEDLY”, that gives lawyers a field day to play around with what is reasonable and what isn’t reasonable for a human being.

2. His  attorneys  are telling him to be very quiet and be careful what he says but at the same time telling him to spew a smidge of information as the process unfolds.

(Remember Ruiz keeps saying in Public he wants the rematch, he’s not withholding the rematch). Another check point for Ruiz in court.

The Result /  Final Verdict:

The Joshua/ Ruiz Rematch In Saudi Arabia is on Rocky Ground.

Pressure On Hearn to Show Stability:

It is extremely important for Matchroom Boxing and Eddie Hearn to paint a picture of certainty and to have the image of the event having no issues. AKA the Press Conference on Monday.

The  Saudi‘s have had trust issues with sports and entertainment management groups in the past.  There has been events canceled due to payment agreements. Hearn  needed to reassure the Saudi‘s that this event was for certain and was not on any rocky ground whatsoever.  If the Saudi‘s detect any   Uncertainty in the event they will certainly withhold payment and that opens up a big can of worms.

Bottom Line:

Andy Ruiz Junior is not scared of a legal battle threat from Eddie Hearn.  Matchroom Boxing and Anthony Joshua need this more than Ruiz Junior does. Ruiz is in the drivers seat and simply wants more money.  It is in Matchroom Boxing’s best interest to simply pay Ruiz the Extra $6 million or so and move forward.

Stay Tuned  One of the oddest boxing stories in history continues and unfolds.

Photo courtesy of Ed Mulholland/ Matchroom Boxing