The first world heavyweight champion with Mexican blood is ready to come back with a bang.
On September 4 at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, Andy Ruiz Jr. will once again put on his gloves to face Cuban veteran Luis Ortiz in a WBC world title eliminator.
Ruiz, who lost the titles to Anthony Joshua in 2019, has only made one more appearance since that loss and is looking to make a statement against the experienced Ortiz, who despite being 43 years old, is one of the division's toughest contenders.
This will be Ruiz's first fight with trainer Alfredo Osuna in his corner and from his training camp in Cajon, California, he explained what he expects from the match-up.
"I feel great. The work is paying off, and now it's time to have fun on September 4. I'm going to leave it all in the ring, as Ortiz and I are going to have one hell of a fight for the title," Ruiz said.
"I feel in a good place mentally right now, doing what I have to do and not underestimating Luis Ortiz like I did my most recent opponent. This is another chapter in my life and my career.
"Ortiz's age doesn't matter. Especially at heavyweight, where one punch changes everything. I have to be sharp and explosive to raise my level when necessary.
"I have been training hard, as I yearn to get back to the top of the heavyweight division. That's why I chose to fight a tough guy like Luis Ortiz. His style is tough, but I remain positive and confident that I will win.
"A fight of mine against Deontay Wilder would be sensational. The heavyweight division is anyone's game, but I'm not about to look past Luis Ortiz. If Wilder is next, he will be next. It's an easy fight to coordinate."