Andy Ruiz Jr. has plunged his rematch with Anthony Joshua into doubt by saying he won’t go to the UK after Dillian Whyte’s “failed” drug test.
The Snickers-loving Mexican took to Twitter to share a report about British fighter Whyte allegedly testing positive for a banned substance. The astonishing allegation was revealed by renowned boxing writer Thomas Hauser, who has a number of high-level contacts in the sport.
Ruiz, 29, wrote: “I’m not going to the UK for the rematch #issasetup.”
He became the unified champion when he dethroned Brit superstar AJ in one of the biggest upsets in boxing history last month. With a rematch set for the end of the year, the only detail awaiting confirmation is whether AJ will take his shot at redemption in the UK at Cardiff’s Principality Stadium or Wembley.
The alternative would be to return to the scene of the crime in New York’s Madison Square Garden. Leonard Ellerbe, long-time business partner of boxing legend Floyd Mayweather, urged Ruiz to avoid a UK rematch, following Whyte’s alleged failed test.
Ellerbe said: “IMO if this s* is factual about Whyte if I’m @Andy_destroyer1 I’m going no where near the UK for the rematch with Joshua. Don’t do it Andy.”
Ruiz, 29, has previously revealed he is trying his best to regain home advantage – so he can conquer Joshua again and “move on to” The Bronze Bomber.
Last week, Ruiz said: “We still in negotiations they (are) trying to make us go over there. We are trying to get it back here in New York. I’d be more comfortable here. Me and him (Wilder) we’re in the same team, I just got to beat Anthony Joshua and then we’ll move on to the next.”
Ruiz now appears to be doubling down on efforts to force a New York rematch – using Whyte as an excuse. Whyte reportedly failed a drug test before his points win over Oscar Rivas. The Brit picked himself off the canvas in the ninth round to win by unanimous decision at the O2 Arena on Saturday night and claim the interim WBC heavyweight title.
Victory also made The Body Snatcher, 31, the mandatory challenger for Deontay Wilder’s world crown, but that status is under threat after the shock revelations. It is reported that the “A sample” taken by UK Anti-Doping before the fight was flagged for “one or more” banned substances. A “B sample” will now be tested.
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