Andy Ruiz was left stunned after ** his "dreams come true" by shocking Anthony Joshua to be crowned the first heavyweight champion of Mexican descent.
Ruiz defied the odds as he dethroned WBA, IBO, IBF and WBO holder Joshua via a seventh-round TKO at Madison Square Garden in New York on Saturday.
Joshua was expected to preserve his perfect record to 23-0, however, the British star slipped to 22-1 after being sent to the canvas on four occasions by Ruiz.
Ruiz – a replacement challenger after Jarrell Miller failed a drugs tests – revelled in his huge upset.
"This is what I've been dreaming about, this is what I've been working hard for," Ruiz told DAZN after his stunning victory. "I can't believe I just made my dreams come true. I just made history for Mexico. This is what I have been dreaming about since I was six years old.
“I could [that Joshua was hurt] but I just didn’t want to throw away what I had. I just wanted to hunt him down even more and work the body. I just wanted to listen to the game plan.
"[I was able to take Joshua's power] it’s because of the Mexican warrior I am, I have that Mexican blood in me. Talking about the Mexican fighting style, I just proved it.”
Ruiz came into the fight 32-1 having won his last three fights and 21 in his career by knockout.
But despite his prowess, Joshua begged Ruiz simply to bring him a fight at weigh-ins on Friday.
"Bring a good fight tomorrow, please," Joshua said. "That's what I said. Just bring a good fight tomorrow — and good luck."
Ruiz certainly brought a fight as the referee waved off the bout in front of a stunned crowd.
"I just want to thank all my team, Al Haymon, Eddie Hearn, my dad, my whole family," Ruiz said. "And sky's the limit baby."
