Andy Ruiz returns to the ring on May 1 when he takes on former world title challenger, Chris Arreola, at Carson’s Dignity Health Sports Park in California. For Ruiz, the fight is the first step in a shot at redemption as he aims to erase his lacklustre showing against Anthony Joshua in December 2019.
Defending his world titles against the man he won them off six months earlier, Ruiz arrived in Saudi Arabia severely overweight and it showed in his performance. Following Joshua around the ring without making any significant inroads, Ruiz surrendered his crowns as he was comprehensively outpointed on the judges’ scorecards.
Since the Joshua setback, Ruiz has made necessary adjustments to his team and now finds himself an integral part of Eddy Reynoso’s thriving stable. Sharing a gym with Canelo Alvarez, Ryan Garcia, and Oscar Valdez should bring further improvements from Ruiz and he claims that professional life under the tutelage of Reynoso has been enjoyable so far.
“I chose Eddy because this is where the champions train,” said Ruiz during a virtual media workout this week. “Everyone here is dedicated and disciplined. I felt like I needed to make this change and it’s really something that I should have done a long time ago.
“The main thing I’ve learned here is discipline. That’s something you can’t buy; you have to do it on your own. You have to want it. I’ve learned so much here. We try to perfect every punch and every movement. I’m not just a fighter who comes forward. I have more abilities. Losing weight is going to let me show more of what I can do.”
On the upcoming threat of Arreola, Ruiz added, “Chris and I sparred when I was 16-years-old. We’ve both had the same dreams and the same vision. We’ve had great careers. My dad has always said that me and him were going to fight one day and now it’s right around the corner.
“I’ve learned different abilities that I can do during this training camp. I can throw different punches and combinations fighting at this weight. I was always a fighter who could come forward, but now I can switch it up. I can’t wait to show it on May 1.”