Andy Ruiz Jr is back in action in September after a long period of inactivity and has one clear goal in mind.
Back in June 2019, Ruiz Jr shocked the world by becoming the first-ever Mexican-American heavyweight champion in history after beating Anthony Joshua. In what was Joshua’s US debut, Ruiz upset the odds by having the Brit down several times on his way to a sixth-round stoppage.
He has since admitted he partied too hard in the months after and was not fit and ready to take on Joshua in the rematch six months later.
He lost a wide points decision and has fought just three times since, against Luis Ortiz, Chris Arreola and most recently, he drew with Jarrell Miller in August 2024, but has also had a hand injury which has kept him out of the ring.
Now back with his old coach Manny Robles, who helped mastermind the win over Joshua, the heavy-handed Ruiz is in good shape and told talkSPORT that he is a man on a mission once more.
“Now we are back together, the team is stronger than ever. We are clicking and bonding and the hard work is being done.”
“I want to become a two-time heavyweight world champion. I want the WBC and Ring Magazine belts. They are the last ones to add to my collection; an opportunity is there and I have to work hard. I want to become champion again and I know I can do it as I did it before.”
First, he must get past his next opponent, Polish giant Damian Knyba, whom he fights in September and who could well be a problem if Ruiz is not on form.
