Former unified heavyweight champion Andy “The Destroyer” Ruiz Jr. took fans inside his training camp Thursday during a virtual media workout as he prepares to take on Chris “The Nightmare” Arreola on PPV, May 1 at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California. Ruiz is returning to the ring for the first time since his pair of fights against Anthony Joshua.
Andy Ruiz Jr.
“It’s great to be back. I feel really good right now with all the hard work we’ve put in at the gym. I know Arreola is training hard as well and looking good, so we’re ready for whatever he brings on fight night.
“I chose Eddy because this is where the champions train. 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.
“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 come to the gym with a smile on my face now. I’m not where I want to be yet, but I’m a lot better than I was before. I just have to keep working and stay disciplined. I have to be in the gym, even when I don’t have a fight date. It’s got to be a lifestyle.
“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.”
Eddy Reynoso, Ruiz Trainer
“The most important thing for Andy is the discipline and his mentality. Those are the main aspects we’ve been working on. From there, we have the building blocks to get better each and every day with everything we want to do
“The talent and intelligence has always been there for Andy. It’s a pleasure to work with him. He’s done everything I’ve asked of him so far.
“I’m really excited for this fight. You’re going to see a new Andy Ruiz Jr. both physically and mentally. You’re going to see him become champion again. I can’t wait for this step on May 1.
“It’s definitely going to be a tough fight against Arreola. These are two fighters who had the same upbringing. There’s going to be nowhere to hide in the ring and they’re going to bring out the best in each other.”
Both Andy and Chris look great! Better than they did in the past. Should be somewhat competitive on both sides. I don’t see Andy scoring a knockout because lets face it, Andy is not a power puncher. Has great hand speed, and a good chin. Chris needs to land a few shots on Andy’s chin to see how much he can withstand. In the end tho, it should be an entertaining 12 round decision for Andy Ruiz.
I got Andy on the TKO. Youth and hand speed a big factor in my book. Have a great weekend!
Should be interesting to see if he was only a one hit wonder. At least he is in the gym on a regular basis. He certainly can fight. Just never had solid discipline. Rocky Marciano was the true gym rat. Always training hard. 6 mile runs turning into 12 mile runs when training for a fight. His work ethic hard to beat. Its why he was able to impose his will on someone. Game, iron chin, high pain tolerance, and most importantly great ring endurance.
Ruiz and Arreola are two (2) hombres you want on your side during a parking lot scrap at a Dodger game. However, Ruiz’s fast/solid combination punching will lead to a TKO victory.
Arreola’s defense is way too “leaky” for Ruiz’s offensive arsenal, and I believe Arreola is on the punch drunk side of his career. Therefore, Arreola’s corner and the referee must keep a close eye on Arreola’s condition to continue with the fight.
Whether taking a loss by KO or by TKO, Arreola will go out as a fighting warrior.
Andy will not get the same Chris Arreola that others have fought. Andy will get the very best Chris. The best Chris has ever been. And still, I believe Andy Ruiz will win by TKO in 8 or 9 rounds, in one very good fight. This will serve as a launching pad. Adam Kownacki should be next. And build on there. If Deontay is foolish enough to face Andy Ruiz, Deontay Wilder will lose in the 3rd round.
Ruiz probably has a long way to go……
Arreola has had a nice career but he’s 40 years old and has seen too many wars. Team Ruiz picked him for the comeback fight for a reason. He’s durable enough to give Ruiz rounds but doesn’t pose a serious threat. Both have had long layoffs but that will hurt Arreola more. Arreola will be game as usual for 5-6 rounds then Ruiz will pour it on and stop him on his feet.
I still can’t believe this fight is on PPV. Al Hayman continues to screw us fans. I bet the undercard is stacked..Yeah Right..
i belive andy in 5 to 7 ko i would love to see him fight joe joyce in england i belive that would be a brillant fight and there both close to
fighting for the wba after