Anthony Joshua’s conqueror Andy Ruiz Jr set for ring return after more than year out against 43-year-old Luis Ortiz

ANDY RUIZ JR will make his return to the ring on September 4 in a pay-per-view clash with veteran heavyweight Luis Ortiz.

The pair will face off at Los Angeles’ Crypto.com Arena in a pay-per-view event for Premier Boxing Champions in Ruiz’s first bout after a 16-month layoff.

Premier Boxing Champions

Andy Ruiz Jr will return to action against Luis Ortiz on September 4[/caption]

Getty

Ruiz has fought just once since losing his rematch with Anthony Joshua in December 2019[/caption]

Getty - Contributor

Standing in Ruiz’s way is 43-year-old heavyweight veteran Ortiz[/caption]

Ruiz, 32, who famously beat Anthony Joshua in June 2019 to win three world titles, has only fought once since losing the rematch to AJ six months later.

That was a points victory over journeyman Chris Arreola in May last year.

Speaking on Saturday, Ruiz said: “I fight on September 4 and this victory I’m going to have is for you, for all the people that are supporting me.

“Everyone has their dreams, everyone wants to achieve something and everything is possible.

“The morritos (children) who want to be world champions can do it! I did it, you can do it too. Viva Mexico!” 

The former world heavyweight champion spoke at an event in Mexico City which broke the Guinness World Record for the largest boxing class ever.

His opponent, 43-year-old Cuban Ortiz, last fought earlier this year.

He twice got up from the canvas to brutally knock out Charles Martin, another of Joshua’s former opponents, in the sixth-round.

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Ortiz has just two defeats on his 37-fight record, both at the hands of Bronze Bomber Deontay Wilder.

Originally the pair were supposed to come to blows on August 13, but the fight has now been confirmed for September 4.

An undercard for the event has not yet been confirmed.