Andy Ruiz does not feel complacent ahead of the weekend’s fight against Luis Ortiz.Ortiz is a heavyweight veteran and rankings stalwart and at 43, any limitations from his age will be tempered by his vast experience.
The pair fight on Sunday September 4 as they look to remain in contention for a potential title fight.
“Everybody has been waiting for this fight. Everybody wanted this fight. I asked for it, and they gave it to me. I'm not here to cherry-pick anybody. Luis Ortiz is a strong, heavy-hitting guy. I want a challenge. I want to fight the best fighters, and he's one of the best out there,” Ruiz said, reported BoxingScene.com.
“Styles make fights, and for me, this is one of the hardest fights of my career because this is my first time fighting a lefty. There are a lot of adjustments to make, but I'm here to take risks. I'm here to prove to the people and prove to myself that I am here to stay.”
He continued: “Luis Ortiz is one of the toughest guys out there. I know it's going to be hard, but I am going to pull this off. He's a lefty, he's awkward, he's different. I can't look past him.
“One of the reasons I picked Luis Ortiz is just so I can get the hang of a lefty. I know I picked a hard opponent, but this is what the fans wanted to see. I didn't want to cherry-pick my opponent. Luis Ortiz is a big step up, and we have to climb back the ladder.”
Ruiz hopes to tee up a fight with potential WBC title challenger Deontay Wilder, explaining: “Hopefully Wilder fights me next, but I have to beat Luis Ortiz first. It's not easy. It's going to be difficult. But I wanted this. The people wanted this.
“I have to be myself and let my hands go, be cautious, and be smart. I'm focused. I'm ready.”