(July 8th) Former unified heavyweight world champion Andy "Destroyer" Ruiz Jr. has officially signed a multi-fight promotional agreement with Matchroom Boxing and promoter Eddie Hearn, marking the beginning of a new chapter in his pursuit of heavyweight championship glory. Ruiz's return to the ring will stream live on DAZN, with his comeback fight expected to be officially announced later this week.

The agreement reunites Ruiz with the promotional team that was part of one of the greatest upsets in boxing history. On June 1, 2019, Ruiz stunned the sporting world when he stopped Anthony Joshua at Madison Square Garden to capture the WBA, WBO and IBF heavyweight world titles, becoming the first fighter of Mexican heritage to win a unified heavyweight world championship. Joshua reclaimed the belts in their December 2019 rematch, but Ruiz's historic victory remains one of the defining moments of the modern heavyweight era.

Now 36 years old, Ruiz, 35-2-1, 22Ko’s returns after nearly two years out of the ring following his majority draw against Jarrell Miller in August 2024. Since losing the titles to Joshua, Ruiz has posted victories over Chris Arreola and Luis Ortiz, while battling long stretches of inactivity. The new promotional partnership is designed to restore consistency to his career as he re-establishes himself among boxing's elite heavyweights.

Ruiz has also reunited with longtime trainer Manny Robles, the coach who guided him to his career-defining victory over Joshua. Together, the team hopes to recapture the form that made Ruiz one of the division's most dangerous and explosive contenders.

"I'm so happy and thankful for signing with Matchroom and taking another step forward to continue my mission and to become a two-time champion of the world for Mexico," said Ruiz. "I believe everything happens for a season and I'm so grateful God is giving me a second opportunity to do everything right. Sometimes God breaks you to make you a better person and a better fighter.

"I made history with Matchroom and DAZN, and best believe we are going to do it again in God Almighty's name. Thank you to all my coaches for still believing in me. We are going to make a big statement in the heavyweight division."

Ruiz's father and manager, Andy Ruiz Sr., believes the reunion with Matchroom provides the ideal platform for his son's championship ambitions.

"We are very happy to be signing with Matchroom and Eddie," said Ruiz Sr. "I believe Matchroom is the best promoter to get Andy Jr. back to the top of the heavyweight division. Eddie gave Andy Jr. his first opportunity to become heavyweight champion of the world, and with Matchroom and Eddie we will become two-time heavyweight champion of the world. Viva Mexico!"

Hearn expressed his confidence that an active and fully committed Ruiz remains a major force in boxing's deepest division.

"I'm delighted to welcome Andy to the team," said Hearn. "The heavyweight landscape is always evolving, and a fully fit and firing Andy Ruiz Jr. is a nightmare for anyone in the division. Andy shocked the world in New York with his stunning victory over Anthony Joshua, and if 'The Destroyer' from that night returns to the ring, there is no doubt he has the ability to become a two-time world champion."

Industry reports indicate Ruiz is targeting a return later this year, with a fight announcement expected imminently. While potential opponents have been widely speculated upon, Matchroom has not yet officially confirmed his comeback bout. The promotional agreement represents a long-term commitment focused on rebuilding Ruiz's activity, positioning him for another run at the heavyweight championship, and potentially setting the stage for blockbuster matchups in one of boxing's most competitive divisions.

For Matchroom, the signing adds one of the heavyweight division's most recognizable former champions to its stable. For Ruiz, it represents an opportunity to revive a career that once reached the pinnacle of the sport and to pursue history by becoming Mexico's first-ever two-time heavyweight world champion.

About DAZN

Welcome to DAZN, the global sports streaming platform that transcends boundaries and redefines the way fans experience their favorite sports. With availability in over 200 territories, DAZN ensures that sports enthusiasts around the world can immerse themselves in the thrill of live and on-demand content, on any device, at the touch of a button.

Purpose-built to seamlessly stream live sports on a global scale, whether its Boxing, MMA, Football, Wrestling, NFL, Tennis, we've got you covered — alongside an extensive catalog of live and on-demand content, making us the go-to destination for sports entertainment.

DAZN isn't just the Global Home of Boxing; it's a trailblazer in transforming the viewers experience. Through strategic partnerships with the biggest and most established boxing promoters, we bring top-class, epic boxing matches to fans worldwide, delivering unforgettable moments straight to your screens.

Our vision extends beyond broadcasting; we are on a mission to revolutionize the entire sports entertainment landscape by placing the customer at the core of an innovative entertainment proposition. DAZN is constructing a singular, frictionless sports entertainment platform where fans can not only watch their favorite sports but also engage in betting, gaming, socializing, sharing, and even purchasing tickets, NFTs, and merchandise—all in one place.

Whether you prefer a traditional, more passive sports-watching experience or crave a gamified and interactive adventure, DAZN caters to your preferences. We're not just streaming sports; we're crafting an all-encompassing sports entertainment universe where every fan can find their perfect match. Join DAZN today and elevate your sports-watching experience to new heights.

About Matchroom Boxing

After the success of snooker in the 1980s, Matchroom Sport moved into boxing with two small hall shows followed by Frank Bruno v Joe Bugner at Tottenham Hotspur’s ground – the biggest boxing event of 1987. That launched the company into the boxing big-time, a position it has maintained ever since.

Through the 1990s Matchroom Sport’s boxing roster featured many of the biggest names in the sport including Lennox Lewis, Nigel Benn, Chris Eubank, Steve Collins and Naseem Hamed, all in world title fights and it continues to work with some of the biggest names in UK boxing including Audley Harrison, the 2000 Olympic Super-Heavyweight gold medalist.

Over the years, Matchroom Sport has built up long-standing relationships with broadcasters around the world and with the advent of the Prizefighter phenomenon, the company’s boxing division has never been in a stronger position.

From fantastic six round scraps between the sport’s journeymen, up to multi-million-dollar World Championship contests featuring the above fighters, the Pro Box series has it all. Each show is packed with the very best in boxing action in a series that encompasses almost 25 years of Matchroom Sport’s commitment to bringing the highest quality to the global television market.