ANDY Ruiz Jr will return to the ring on August 3 in opposition to Jarrell Miller after nearly two years of inactivity. Earlier than this battle was introduced, there have been questions as as to if Ruiz would battle once more. Whereas Turki Alalshikh stamped his authority by placing collectively a conveyor belt of phenomenal matchups within the heavyweight division, Ruiz was nowhere to be seen.
Except for the undisputed battle between Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk, heavyweight bouts akin to Frank Sanchez vs Agit Kabayel, Joseph Parker vs Deontay Wilder, and Anthony Joshua vs Francis Ngannou represented a brand new period in boxing. One the place the very best of the massive boys would persistently battle one another, both in the primary occasion or as a part of a stacked undercard.
With undefeated data on the road, interim world titles up for grabs, and life-changing purses, there has arguably by no means been a greater time to remain lively. His excellency is nicely on his method to monopolising the game, bringing collectively rival promoters as he sits on the prime and watches the leisure unfold, like an emperor in a Roman Colosseum.
But one can solely surprise the place Ruiz has been since this metamorphosis of boxing started. Over 5 years have handed since ‘The Destroyer’ destroyed followers’ sense of actuality when he knocked out Anthony Joshua (see under) to turn into the primary heavyweight champion of all time with Mexican heritage. And it’s been nearly 5 years since Ruiz then relinquished his standing as a unified world heavyweight champion within the rematch in opposition to Joshua in Saudi Arabia.
His upcoming battle with Miller would be the first time Ruiz has returned to the Center East following that tragic loss. It’s just like the ghost of that defeat has stored Ruiz away in concern of a second prevalence. One that might spell the top of a extremely profitable profession. However with the aim of changing into a two-time world champion, Ruiz has determined to face his demons.
In a current off-the-cuff interview with Chris Mannix, Ruiz admitted that he struggled with self-discipline. He candidly revealed his love for the social gathering life after beating Joshua. A vice that isn’t unusual for elite boxers, particularly once they attain their final aim and gold medal syndrome kicks in, in addition to the often-temporary adulation obtained from everybody round you, which might taper the motivation of most.
Moreover, the highlight in your life exterior the ring intensifies when you might have a physique like Ruiz’s, which has been a speaking level ever since he made his skilled debut in 2009. An off-the-cuff boxing fan would underestimate Ruiz till they watch him within the ring and respect his blistering quick arms, distinctive front-foot counter-punching abilities, and skill to attain devastating knockouts.
In 2021, although, Ruiz determined to drop some kilos. He weighed in in opposition to Chris Arreola at 256 lbs, near 30 lbs lower than within the Joshua rematch. Nonetheless, Ruiz’s punch resistance appeared to endure due to the burden loss, and he was dropped within the second spherical earlier than bouncing again to win a large factors resolution.
A mediocre efficiency ended up being the validation Ruiz wanted to cease reducing weight and in his most up-to-date battle in opposition to Luis Ortiz in September 2022, he got here in at 268 and three-quarter kilos. Ruiz floored Ortiz twice, but the victory was slim, with scorecards of 114-111, 113-112, and 114-111 in his favour.
Miller, nevertheless, is about to be the primary opponent ever to outweigh Ruiz by a substantial quantity. ‘Huge Child’ hit the scales at 333 lbs when he fought Daniel Dubois, and it’s believable that he’ll surpass the 300 lb mark once more. Regardless of getting stopped by Dubois, Miller’s work price was spectacular for a person of such measurement, and it stays to be seen how Ruiz will cope with this stress.
Certainly, Ruiz’s return is one other alternative to show his profession round. Now 34 years previous and turning 35 in September, Ruiz has already made historical past by changing into the primary Mexican heavyweight champion. Though, some would argue he hasn’t fairly reached his full potential for the expertise he possesses. Subsequently, a dominant win in opposition to Miller may very well be the catalyst wanted for Ruiz to get again into the heavyweight image.
With Turki round, there is no such thing as a scarcity of profitable matchups, together with a possible rematch with Joseph Parker. But Ruiz wants to indicate he nonetheless has the drive to return to the summit.
Historical past reveals that heavyweights retain their prime for longer durations than the lighter divisions and plenty of legends have fought nicely into their 30s and even 40s at a excessive stage. Nonetheless, there comes a degree when ring rust and biology catch as much as you.
The bookies strongly favour Ruiz to beat Miller. However when that bell rings within the opening spherical, the boxing world will formally discover out if they’re welcoming again a prodigal son who misplaced his means but belongs with the heavyweight elite. Or the shell of a fighter. One whose greatest days are behind him.