Former unified heavyweight champion Andy “The Destroyer” Ruiz Jr. held a media workout at his gym in the San Diego area on Wednesday as he prepares to face top contender Luis “King Kong” Ortiz in a WBC heavyweight title eliminator that headlines a FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-View on September 4 in Labor Day weekend action at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles.
Andy Ruiz Jr: “I’m feeling really good. The hard work has already paid off and now it’s just time to have fun on September 4. We’re going to let it all out in the ring. Me and Ortiz are coming to be champions, so you know it’s going to be a hell of a fight.
“I’m just ready. I had a long training camp. I know what Ortiz is bringing to the ring and I know what I’m capable of. I just have to stay focused and execute.
“When I try to go for the knockout, it usually doesn’t go my way. I’m training for 12 rounds and if the knockout comes, it comes. You best believe I’m in condition to go hard for all 12 rounds.
“I’ve been training hard because we want to climb back up the ladder of the heavyweight division. That’s why we picked a tough guy like Luis Ortiz. He has a hard style, but I’m positive and confident that I’m going to win this fight on September 4.
“It’s going to be a crazy atmosphere in that arena. All the Mexican fans will be there supporting, and may the best man win. I’m glad that Ortiz is predicting a knockout, because I’m ready for anything. My only prediction is that I’m going to win.
“A matchup against Deontay Wilder would be an amazing fight. The heavyweight division is wide open, but I’m not overlooking Luis Ortiz. If Wilder is next, he’s next. It’s an easy fight to make.
“I feel like I’m in a good state of mind right now. I’m doing everything that I’m supposed to do. I underestimated my last opponent but I’m really focused on what Luis Ortiz brings. This is another chapter for me and my career.
“Ortiz’s age doesn’t matter, especially in the heavyweight division. Because one punch is going to change the whole fight. I just have to be smart and explosive and turn it up when I need to turn it up.
“My team all have the same game plan. We want to be champions and we want to make history. The way you do that is by preparing yourself right here in the gym.
“I want to take advantage of every single moment I have in boxing. Especially for these big fights, because I want to succeed and make the most out of my career.”
This should be fun to watch no matter what. If Ruiz has got his counterpunches on point I can see him winning, but I’m not counting Ortiz out either, he knows how to throw some serious bombs.
The only thing the destroyer destroys would be a buffet.
hahaha.. I think he is one of those types that gets kicked out of an all you can eat for well, eating too much
Let me guess, he’s in the best shape of his life, he’s rededicated himself to boxing…
this could be his 2nd quality win….
(and against an alleged 50 yr old guy?)
Well, Ruiz is in good shape, looks good in training footage. Ortiz is always in good shape, but 43 y old, that is pushing it. Look forward to this fight.
Not to be demeaning to either fighter here, but is anyone going to actually buy the PPV for this? I mean Ruiz is a former titleholder and Ortiz is the model definition of a ‘name opponent,’ but who within the promotional structure couldn’t recognize this was a DAZN/ESPN+ level, non-PPV bout in terms of public interest?
Totally agree. I guess the thought is both guys don’t have much to gain. If Ortiz wins, he beat a one-hit wonder. If Ruiz wins, he beat an old man. Giving this fight a bunch of publicity isn’t going to give either a push.
I think he get stopped
Ruiz needs a fast pace with combos and Ortiz needs a very controlled pace firing rocket launchers. Whoever gets their own rhythm during the fight, wins without controversy. A must win for both or it’s over. At the very least they both need an incredible performance to stay somewhat relevant. I’m going with Ortiz via unanimous decision. If not, I like my crow medium rare.
Great matchup!! Props to ruiz for actually fighting a beast like ortiz! Many avoided him like the plague. I cannot pick a winner.