Andy Ruiz Jr has admitted he could head to Japan next year to compete in the Olympics after being sent an invitation to the qualification process.
Ruiz shot to global fame in June when he shocked Anthony Joshua in New York to claim the IBF, WBA and WBO heavyweight world titles.
The California-born fighter will face Joshua in a rematch in December but could then fly the flag of Mexico, where both his parents were born, at the Tokyo Olympics.
Boxing at the Olympics is an amateur sport but in a shock move last year the International Boxing Association (known as the AIBA) ruled to allow professionals to compete in the event as long as they qualify legitimately.
And now Mexico’s president Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador has asked the Mexican National Boxing Commission to write to Ruiz Jr asking him to take the opportunity offered by the AIBA.
The commission head, Miguel Torruco Garza, said: ‘We face a historical challenge as for more than half a century, Mexico has not obtained a gold medal in boxing.
‘But with your support and patriotic collaboration, we are sure that its boxing talents will bring Olympic glory to our country and in the same way, you will receive the thanks of the people of Mexico.’
Ruiz responded on Twitter saying: ‘It would be a great honour to represent Mexico in the Olympic Games.
‘I have to see the possible contractual commitments, but we will do everything possible to contribute in any way and put the name of Mexico high once again. Great initiative!!!’
Ruiz Jr has good pedigree from his amateur days with a record of 105-5, but failed to qualify for the Olympics after disappointing results in two competitions before the 2008 Olympics in Beijing.
However, he did win two Mexican National Junior Olympics gold medals before turning professional in 2009.
And while his reputation has improved massively thanks to that win over Joshua, those in the know have always rated his ability.
Frank Bruno said recently: ‘Ruiz Jr is a seasoned professional, he is based in America and spars with a lot of top guys.
‘I know he has spent some time with Evander Holyfield and done some work in the Floyd Mayweather gym.
‘But, to get the win [in the rematch], Joshua just needs to be right on point as last time I think he underestimated him.’
