Andy Ruiz Jr. Starting The Long Road Back To Glory
Looking to get back into contention, Andy Ruiz Jr. has promised a big change in the way he presents himself. Are we already seeing it pay off?
Ruiz (33-2) recently posted on social media a video of him sparring, looking leaner and faster compared to his December 2019 bout with Anthony Joshua. In a rematch for the WBA, IBF, WBO, and IBO Heavyweight Titles, Ruiz lost to Joshua, weighing 280 pounds for the bout. In the below video, he appears to have found some speed to go along with the power he has.
“Come get some.”
The 30-year-old Ruiz was a replacement for Jarrell Miller in a June 2019 clash against Joshua. Inside Madison Square Garden, Ruiz dropped Joshua multiple times en route to his first major taste of gold. Losing the titles a few months later, Ruiz admitted that he did not focus on training but instead partied and ate. Trainer Manny Robles discussed the troubles he had with Ruiz but didn’t have any ill-will towards him, even after Ruiz separated himself from Robles.
Ruiz then joined Team Canelo by collaborating with Canelo Alvarez’s trainer Eddy Reynoso. He is looking to right a wrong and prove to people he has what it takes to once again be the top fighter at heavyweight.
“I feel that I disappointed my people and I have to bring them back,” Ruiz said to ES News, via Boxing Scene. “I will surprise the world again by being fit and having all the skills to do it again.”
As far as who he would like to face, the Top Rank star would be interested in competing with Joshua in a trilogy bout, but would also want to face interim WBC Heavyweight Champion Dillian Whyte.
“I would fight Dillian Whyte and I would like to shut him up, fight the third fight against Anthony Joshua, then go against Wilder or Fury,” said Ruiz.