Andy Ruiz Jr has now reportedly agreed terms to jump in and fight Anthony Joshua on June 1 at Madison Square Garden in New York.
The Mexican-American heavyweight will replace Jarrell Miller, who was ruled out of the bout after failing three drugs tests.
FOX Sports’ Mike Coppinger first claimed that a deal had been agreed between the pair, with Joshua’s promoter Eddie Hearn later confirming the story to FightHype.
“It’s not done yet. Terms have been agreed, I mean there’s things that have to be ironed out within a contract, but he’s the frontrunner.
“I like Andy Ruiz, I wanted someone who’s not taking just the payday, who believes he can win, who will do everything to win.
“All you’ve gotta do is speak to people in boxing or people who know boxing, they will tell you.
“Everything I’ve seen on social media is, ‘This is a tougher fight than Jarrell Miller.’
“It’s a similar fight to Jarrell Miller other than Andy’s got much quicker hands and punches harder.
“I think it’s a really credible fight. Mexico could have their first world heavyweight champion.”
