Andy Ruiz Jr. returns to the ring on August 3 with one remaining alternative to resurrect a failing and fallen profession.
The previous heavyweight champion, who shocked the world in 2019 when wiping out Anthony Joshua, has seen his tenure in boxing capitulate regardless of just one loss since then. However after Joshua accurately pressured Ruiz to battle when massively off form on account of a six-month contract stipulation, “The Destroyer” surrendered his titles in favor of his celebration way of life.
Ruiz admitted to having fun with the cash, fame, and belts related to being the highest canine within the sport. Nonetheless, it was short-lived on account of his wild methods and nature to benefit from the extravagant. The Mexican-American successfully didn’t battle for 2 years when you eliminated the Joshua rematch through which Ruiz simply went via the motions. Upon his return, a win over Chris Arreola retained some curiosity after a conflict with Deontay Wilder fell aside.
Regardless of the victory, Ruiz was once more out of motion for sixteen months, indicating that the 34-year-old was solely combating to retain his ultra-expensive out-of-the-ring actions. In September 2022, Ruiz surfaced once more to show he can nonetheless combine it on the high. He beat Luis Ortiz on factors earlier than sinking again into his most prolonged absence.
Marital issues and accusations of abuse and drug use dogged Ruiz all through 2023. A messy break-up after being thrown out of his own residence adopted for Ruiz. He lastly acquired his life again so as sufficient in 2024 to launch one remaining assault on the heavyweight title.
Jarrell Miller stands in the way in which of Ruiz and a run of exercise that would end in a world title shot by the tip of subsequent yr, particularly if Joshua can seize a slice of the championship pie. It’s no secret that each males maintain curiosity in a rubber match on account of profitable one battle every.
Miller gained’t current a large problem for Ruiz and will get brushed apart with out an excessive amount of fuss, however the ex-unified king should stay within the recreation. Hopefully, being concerned with Turki Alalshikh’s Riyadh Season motion will present Ruiz with the best platform to just do that. After going through the “Large Child,” Ruiz has to e book a date in December or January earlier than one other battle in the summertime of 2025.
If that schedule fails to materialize and Ruiz goes again to being introverted, he may discover himself being 36 earlier than he contemplates combating once more. By then, he would face being frozen out of the title image.
Now’s the time for Andy Ruiz Jr. so as to add one other huge title to the highest of the division. A win over Miller must be the start of one other chapter somewhat than the conclusion of his profession.
Learn all articles and unique interviews by Phil Jay. Be taught extra in regards to the writer, skilled boxing author, and World Boxing Information Editor since 2010. Observe on Twitter @PhilJWBN.
