Andy Ruiz Jr. has had some disparaging things to say about one of his former heavyweight opponents.
Ruiz Jr is a former unified world heavyweight champion, having taken his opportunity when he was a late stand-in opponent for Anthony Joshua in New York City. ‘AJ’s initial opponent, Jarrell Miller, tested positive for banned substances late in the day, so he was pulled from the card.
Ruiz was put down early in the fight but climbed to his feet and then knocked Joshua down four times on his way to a seventh-round KO victory to make him the first Mexican-American and second Hispanic heavyweight champion in boxing history.
After six months of celebrations, he fared less well in the rematch and was beaten soundly over 12 rounds by a much more circumspect Joshua.
Since that fight in December 2019, he has fought just three times, beating both Chris Arreola and Luis Ortiz on points before drawing with Miller in August 2024.
Speaking to Casino.org, he was asked about the weakest puncher he has faced in the ring and went with ‘Big Baby.’
“Probably Jarrell Miller, because I let him hit me with everything he had, even with my hands down and he still couldn’t hurt me. So I don’t think Miller has a very strong punch.”
Ruiz has often promised he is close to a ring return but has been sidelined with a hand injury for more than a year. Deontay Wilder has long been a possible opponent, while rising star Moses Itauama could also be a good match-up for both.
