Eddie Hearn has revealed how Andy Ruiz Jr got himself a shot at Anthony Joshua - via an Instagram message.
The California-based Mexican has been handed a chance to fight for IBF, IBA, WBO and WBA heavyweight straps at Madison Square Garden on Saturday night.
He was drafted in as a late replacement for Jarrell Miller after the Brooklyn boxer failed three drugs tests in the run-up to the fight.
Ruiz emerged from a packed shortlist to take his chance of a lifetime at boxing's most iconic venue at the weekend.
And it was his bold approach of sending promoter Eddie Hearn a direct message which saw him get his big opportunity.
Speaking at Thursday's pre-fight press conference, Hearn said: "Once the three positive drugs tests came in, we searched for a new opponent.
"I wasn't under any instructions, it was a case of whoever you want.
"Someone sent me a direct message on Instagram: 'I'm fighting Saturday. Give me this fight, I will fight harder than any of the names you've mentioned, I will give you a better fight and I will beat Anthony Joshua'.
"OK, that got my attention. We had a look, we saw him deal with and stop Alexander Dimitrenko on Fox and the discussions continued.
"I've found a man who had a burning desire to create history, to create a legacy, and become the first ever Mexican world heavyweight champion.
"From this side of the table, we respect Andy Ruiz for stepping up and taking the opportunity, and we know we're in for one hell of a fight on Saturday night."
The likes of Michael Hunter, Luis Ortiz and Manuel Charr were all touted as potential opponents for Joshua before Ruiz got the nod.
The 29-year-old has a record of 32-1, with his sole defeat coming in a narrow points loss to Joseph Parker in a clash for the vacant WBO title now held by Joshua back in 2016.
