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Andy Ruiz Jr. Has No Interest Fighting in 2021 – Gives an Update on His Strategy

Published 02/17/2021, 11:10 PM EST

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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.

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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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.

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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.

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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.

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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?

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Written by:

Prathamesh Singh Chauhan

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Prathamesh Singh Chauhan is a Boxing Author at EssentiallySports. He is a graduate from the International Institute of Sports Management who combines his love for sports, particularly combat sports, and his flair for writing and analysis to help him in his day-to-day work. He has prior professional experience with sporting organizations such as Star Sports, Khelo India, and NBA.
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