Former world champion Sergio Mora believes that Andy Ruiz Jr was unconvincing on his return to the ring.
Speaking on DAZN’s JABS as part of the Boxing Show, Mora said that based on the showing of Ruiz against Chris Arreola on Saturday, there was much more work to do.
Ruiz slimmed down markedly since his December 2019 defeat to Anthony Joshua in Saudi Arabia, when he was noticeably out of shape.
He is now training with Eddy Reynoso, and Mora noted the improvement, but thought that the changes made already needed to work themselves out for Ruiz to accomplish more and improve.
Asked by Chris Mannix if he thought Ruiz looked more or less likely to challenge for a world championship belt again, Mora said of the 31-year-old American that: “Based on Saturday’s performance, I’d say less likely and I’m going to give you some factors.”
“Inactivity always kills fighters. The new chemistry with a new trainer. It always takes two or three fights to build that chemistry and set that foundation, “ he explained.
“The most important one: he fought a motivated and hungry Chris Arreola, who came with a game plan. It was a perfect storm of why Andy Ruiz didn’t look like a former heavyweight champion.
“But it was the first fight with new trainer Eddy Reynoso, so I’m hoping he looks a little more polished and a lot better, but after this performance, I’ve got to say less likely.”
Mora picked out the weight loss in particular as a reason for 40-year-old Arreola to rock Ruiz on a few occasions.
“Losing weight and punch resistance, that does happen. Even at heavyweight but when you’re losing that much weight that fast, it looks good but it does take away that ability to take a punch.”