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Andy Ruiz Jr at the Public Investment Fund office complex in Riyadh. (Photo by Nick Potts/PA Images via Getty Images)
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Andy Ruiz Jr at the Public Investment Fund office complex in Riyadh. (Photo by Nick Potts/PA Images via Getty Images)
The ‘Destroyer’ Andy Ruiz Jr. shook the combat sports fraternity when he smothered Anthony Joshua back in the summer of 2019. It was one of the biggest upsets of the sport. However, ‘AJ’ avenged his loss and defeated Ruiz Jr. in their rematch later that year. The Mexican-American pugilist hasn’t competed since then and nor he looks to compete in 2021.
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In a podcast with The Fighter’s Voice, the ‘Destroyer’ shed some light on his return and gave a timeline on his return date.
“By next year, man. Right now, we’re in full effect, getting my body in construction right now. Right now, the main focus is me, working hard, being the best shape that I can be so I can beat these guys,” said Ruiz Jr.
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DIRIYAH, SAUDI ARABIA – DECEMBER 07: Andy Ruiz Jr punches Anthony Joshua during the IBF, WBA, WBO & IBO World Heavyweight Title Fight between Andy Ruiz Jr and Anthony Joshua during the Matchroom Boxing ‘Clash on the Dunes’ show at the Diriyah Season on December 07, 2019 in Diriyah, Saudi Arabia (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)
Ever since that Joshua loss, Ruiz has changed trainers and is under Eddy Reynoso’s wing, who also trains Canelo Alvarez. He is working significantly on his new training schedules and has lost a massive amount of weight.
Ruiz Jr., who constantly updates fans about his grilling training regimes, has shocked one and all with his transformation. However, he still believes he needs time for his comeback and he’ll push it to next year now.
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Who should Andy Ruiz Jr. face in his return?
Ruiz Jr. has mammoth plans of fighting for the heavyweight title again and predominantly, Anthony Joshua. More than anything else, ‘AJ’ is his motivation to storm back to the ring. He has repeatedly expressed his inquisitiveness to take on the Brit in a trilogy.
But Joshua has moved to contend for the undisputed title, and post that he’ll have to take on the mandatory challenger in either Usyk or Joyce.
Considering this situation, it seems Ruiz Jr. might have to fight once or at least twice to get his hands on Joshua again. He’ll have to get past all his opponents in order to solidify his place in the big men’s division.
When fans saw Ruiz Jr, they were stunned, and now given the fact that ‘Destroyer’ will continue to train for a year, he could set alarm bells ringing across the heavyweight division when he returns.
What do you make of Andy Ruiz Jr.’s aforementioned statements?
