Jarrell Miller: What Could Have Been
Boxing Insider
Last updated: April 25, 2026
This article details the shocking upset of boxing heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua by Andy Ruiz Jr. Joshua, a strong favorite, suffered a surprising defeat on home soil, marking a significant turning point in his career and the heavyweight division.
- The heavyweight boxing match took place in early June at Madison Square Garden. Anthony Joshua, highly anticipated to win and defend his titles, entered the ring as a significant favorite against Andy Ruiz Jr. The fight was Joshua's debut in the United States and a crucial defense of his WBA, IBF, and WBO heavyweight titles. Despite initial dominance and knocking Ruiz down in the third round, Joshua was subsequently knocked down twice himself in the same round. This unexpected turn of events led to Joshua's corner throwing in the towel in the seventh round, handing Ruiz a TKO victory. The defeat marked Joshua's first professional loss and was widely considered one of the biggest upsets in recent boxing history, immediately sparking discussions about a rematch and the future of the heavyweight championship. Ruiz's victory was celebrated as a monumental achievement for an underdog fighter.
