Former heavyweight champion Andy Ruiz Jr. will make his return to boxing to face former title contender Luis Ortiz in a heavyweight bout in the summer, and he certainly hopes that victory over Ortiz will catapult him into title contention.

The Mexican boxer came into the spotlight after his surprising win over Anthony Joshua in 2019, but since then he has failed to gain any momentum after losing his rematch against Joshua.

Ruiz comments on his weight

In an interview with FightHype, he shared his thoughts on Tyson Fury’s retirement and also commented on his weight loss.

The reporter asks Ruiz about his fight against Chris Arreola, “your fight against Chris Arreola was one of the craziest fights, it was one other craziest fights I have ever covered”  

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Ruiz responded by saying, “That was a hell of a fight. The truth is, I underestimated him. I’m sure he was training hard for me, but things happen. I know what I didn’t do in preparing for that fight. I think I dropped too much. I focused too much on my weight, trying to look cut up. God made me a champion for being chubby & fat, and that’s the same way I’m going to be. That’s the same way I’m going to be champion again; mark my words, baby.”

He added, ” I’m better when I’m big. I’m trying to change. I was trying to change something that I’m already good you know.”

Andy Ruiz vs Luis Ortiz

Ruiz has only fought just once since the rematch with Joshua, a May 2021 decision win over Chris Arreola. Moreover, he underwent surgery on his right knee in August and will now prepare for just his second fight since the rematch with Joshua.

Ortiz, on the other hand, has fought Deontay Wilder for the WBC heavyweight title twice but was KO’ed by him on both occasions. Since then Ortiz has fought just twice against Alexander Flores and Charles Martin.

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Both fighters would be looking for a title shot and the winner would certainly be one step closer to getting it.

Do you think Ruiz gaining weight will help him get back to his previous form? Let us know in the comments.