10 July 2020

Former world heavyweight champion Andy Ruiz Jr set for comeback fight against Chris Arreola as he returns from Anthony Joshua defeat

Former world heavyweight champion Andy Ruiz Jr is reportedly in talks to return from his defeat to Anthony Joshua with a fight against Chris Arreola.

The 30 year-old Mexican-American shocked the world by defeating Joshua in New York in June last year.

Ruiz became world champion when he beat Joshua in June 2019 (PA)

But he then came into their rematch in December in poor shape and was outsmarted by Joshua as the Brit cruised to a comfortable unanimous decision win.

Speaking to Sky Sports, Arreola said: "Yes, actually there's been a couple of talks [about Ruiz Jr fight], but I'm not at liberty of saying anything right now.

"But they are looking fairly good. Looking very good. I'm actually very excited for that fight. I think that's the only fight that looks promising for myself.

"If that fight doesn't come around, then you know, I'm OK with staying at home. But that's the only fight that's very enticing, not only to myself, also for the boxing fans.

"I think the boxing fans will love a boxing fight with two Mexican heavyweights that are going at it."

Arreola, 39, has a professional record of 38 wins, six defeats and one draw.

In his last fight, he was beaten on points by Poland’s Adam Kownacki and he has also been stopped by Deontay Wilder and Vitali Klitschko.

Meanwhile, Ruiz has also been linked with bigger fights against the likes of Cuban Luis Ortiz and Britain’s Dillian Whyte.

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