Andy Ruiz’ long-awaited return to action takes place tonight as the former heavyweight champion takes on Chris Arreola at Carson’s Dignity Health Sports Park in California. Under new trainer Eddy Reynoso, Ruiz has been massively inspired by his new gym mates including Canelo Alvarez, Ryan Garcia, and Oscar Valdez, and he’s desperate to return to the lofty heights he occupied in the second half of 2019.
One major issue surrounding Ruiz since losing his crown to Anthony Joshua has been his size. His lacklustre performance in Saudi Arabia brought criticism from the entire boxing industry as Ruiz entered the ring overweight and lacked the spark needed to repeat his upset win over the 2012 Olympic gold medallist.
At yesterday’s weigh in, the hard work carried out in Reynoso’s gym was evident as Ruiz looked a transformed figure on the scales. After entering the ring at an unhealthy 284lbs against Joshua, Ruiz showed off his new body as he weighed 256lbs for his clash with Arreola. A loss of two stone following intense sessions under the tutelage of Reynoso.
Ruiz’ imminent battle with Arreola is the first step on what the Mexican-American hopes will be a journey back to the world title environment he famously gate-crashed almost two years ago. The business end of the heavyweight scene is slowly taking shape and Ruiz will need to beat Arreola to have any chance of being involved. Judging by his huge decline in weight, it appears he’s taking it very seriously.