Eddie Hearn has given his thoughts on his most recent signing with Matchroom, Andy Ruiz Jr.
Hearn announced the signing of Ruiz a few two days ago.
Ruiz dethroned the previously unbeaten Anthony Joshua back in 2019. ‘AJ’ has been signed to Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing since his professional debut.
‘Destroyer’ gave Joshua an immediate rematch six months after his initial win, with ‘AJ’ gaining revenge via unanimous decision in Diriyah.
Many questioned the shape Ruiz came into the rematch in, and Hearn addressed the changes he had seen in the 36-year-old during negotiations.
He spoke to DAZN Boxing.
“How unusual is it to make such a major signing, without anyone knowing.
“It was in Egypt when it all started; we have been talking to Andy Ruiz for two years. It started to get really serious just before Egypt.
“The first thing I noticed was he is literally half the man he was, in terms of his physique.
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“He looked unbelievable and spoke such a great game.”
Ruiz hasn’t fought for close to two years now, and Hearn addressed his ambitions ahead of a looming return.
His last outing came against Jarrell Miller back in August 2024, when he was held to a draw by his new stablemate.
Interestingly, Hearn touched on Ruiz’s performance in that fight and possibly why he didn’t perform at his best.
“He went into the Jarrell Miller fight in a bit of a state. He broke his hand in that fight.”
Matchroom’s chairman opened the lid on his long-term vision for Ruiz.
“He spoke about how he feels, what he’s been through, what he thinks he can achieve and I am massively on board with it.
“He is going to be a massive threat in the division, he’s got a massive fan base, he is a huge name; he’s a very, very good fighter and we all know with Andy Ruiz that if he can get himself in good nick, he is serious.”
Having previously been a unified world champion, the 36-year-old will inevitably be eyeing a return to the top of the heavyweight division.
Hearn named some of the current world champions he believes Ruiz can beat in order to reign over the division once again.
“When I look at the heavyweight division right now and you look at the champions, [Murat] Gassiev – WBA, he beats him. I believe he beats Daniel Dubois and Fabio Wardley.
“Moses Itauma is a brilliant fight against Andy Ruiz. I believe he can beat Agit Kabayel and I believe he will be a world champion again.”
Hearn expressed his excitement over his latest signing and how it could affect the heavyweight landscape.
“Don’t get me wrong, he hasn’t boxed for two years. He will have his comeback fight in September, but I believe he beats those guys.
“We are slowly creeping up with the heavyweights.”
