There are few heavyweights more qualified to discuss, predict and breakdown Anthony Joshua fights than Andy Ruiz Jr.

The Mexican-American shocked the world in 2019, surviving a knockdown to stop the Brit in seven rounds. Ruiz held the WBO, WBA and IBF belts for just six months before the rematch, where he came in ill-prepared against a dialed-in ‘AJ’ who won over the distance.

Speaking to Manouk Akopyan , the 31-year-old expressed his interest in the rubber match.

“God willing I get that trilogy. I’m humble enough to say I’ve got to climb up the ladder to get those fights and win and God willing they happen.”

Unfortunately for Ruiz, Joshua has a few fights higher on his list than that trilogy. First up is a chance at becoming a three-weight world champion against newly-elevated IBF titlist Daniel Dubois. Should he win, another all-British clash against Tyson Fury – especially should he avenge his loss to Oleksandr Usyk in their December rematch – is one of the biggest bouts in the sport.

If it happens, Ruiz is backing his former foe to get the win based on his power.

“I think Joshua will win because he hits hard. He’s the hardest puncher I faced. Chris Arreola put me down but Joshua hits really hard. It’s the punches you don’t see coming that hurt, the ones you see coming at least you can absorb it.”

Ruiz returns to the ring next month against Jarrell Miller with a win moving him closer to the heavyweight top table once more.