Interview: Andy Ruiz Jr.

By Miguel Maravilla

Former heavyweight champion Andy Ruiz Jr. (35-2, 22 KOs) held a media workout Wednesday afternoon at the Churchill Boxing Club in Santa Monica in anticipation for his upcoming fight with Jarrell “Big Baby” Miller (26-1-1, 22 KOs) of Brooklyn, New York. Ruiz goes up against Miller Saturday August 3, at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles on live on DAZN PPV and ESPN+ PPV.

Ruiz returns to the ring for the first time in nearly two years as he last fought in September of 2022, defeating former world champion Luis “King Kong” Ortiz, dropping Ortiz numerous times in route to the unanimous decision win.

His opponent Miller is on the redemption path as he was stopped in his last fight against Daniel Dubois.

Ruiz vs. Miller is part of the Riyadh Season USA debut PPV Terence Crawford vs. Israil Madrimov undercard in which will be boxing’s biggest card of the year.

Follow Miguel on X @MigMaravilla

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  • – Andy Ruiz is a fighter that I believe has wasted away a golden opportunity to capitalize on his victory over Anthony Joshua.
    – Instead of being focused and disciplined and defend the title, he decided to eat and party his way to satisfaction.

    • Look how big he is just 2 weeks out from a major fight. After he hit the jackpot, he just decided to pack it in…literally. There’s no reason he and Miller can’t make it in the 240s if they’re serious about training.

      • He Buster Douglas’d his career. I think he expects to be fed hand-picked opponents like overaged fringe contenders once a year and make a living. If he doesn’t at least try to fight a credible guy soon, whatever rub he got from a fluke win over Joshua will disappear.

        There are so many good opponents for him, but he won’t take any real guy. Can you imagine what Kabayel would do to him?

    • Ruiz always seems like such a likeable guy in interviews, but yes he certainly did squander away his best years. I always thought he and Wilder would have been a barn burner of a fight. The first time I saw Ruiz was like his 2nd pro fight on the undercard of a Univision fight. He was a huge, rolly polly 300lber. I thought to myself “where the hell did they find this guy?”, but he came out guns blazing with phenomenal handspeed and made very quick work of his opponent. I was not at all surprised when he KO’d Joshua.

  • Ruiz ruined a great opportunity as a Mexican Heavyweight champion. Had the world in the palm of his hands. A Mexican heavyweight champ was a big deal and made him a top earner in the sport.
    It seems he wants just enough money to party with. Once he gets a check, Boxing and discipline takes a back seat.
    For his rematch with AJ, his team jumped through hoops to fool the fans Ruiz was getting ripped. All types of videos showing fake muscle just to come in fatter and more out of shape than ever. Career now is Total disaster.
    Guess its finally time to remake the Miller fight. Back then, I felt Miller had a good shot at beating Ruiz. Now, Im not sure what to expect from Ruiz.
    I would also like to see Ortiz again as it was a close fight with Ruiz.

  • ANDY BOY-you sure blew it-YOU WERE A CHAMPION AND YOU ACTED LIKE A CHUMP!!
    Never too late but time waits for no one
    THIS IS YOUR LAST CHANCE-DO NOT BLOW IT

  • I can’t lie. I was more of a fan of fat Ruiz than slim Ruiz. He was putting dudes to sleep when he was fat but in boxing shape. He’s looking chunky and said his favorite line, “the first Mexican heavyweight champion of the world.” He’s looking like himself, let see if he can have a throwback performance. He wasted so much time partying, smacking and guying jewelry. Time will tell if he’s still hungry.

  • This is a donor die fight for both. Ruiz better come in ready to let go of some serious heat, especially at the beginning of the exchanges as Miller waits to counter. Ruiz has the skills and repertoire to keep Miller gun shy.

    Miller on the other hand, should he show up in great shape, or at least decent shape, can turn the tables late in the fight if Andy is not in fighting shape.Pinnimg Ruiz against the corner or ropes and countering off the counters could very well open up the lane for some bombs.

    I think that this is a great fight and I doubt that we will be disappointed.. Let’s do this.

  • Two years of ring rust . Nothing more than a gym fight. Let’s see a current video of Ruiz sparring a few different fighters in preparation for the fight. Then might consider a ticket.

  • I really like Andy, and I think it’s great to see a somewhat ‘big’ (slightly overweight) man able to compete at that level. His appearance worries me though. In that footage he looks to be around 270 to 280 pounds… It also worries me that he spent so much money on fancy cars and stuff. Stay humble with the money, invest them well, and he and his family are secured for generations. Well, his life I suppose… Good luck, Andy. 🙂

  • why so soon? lol..
    at this point,, who cares???
    after this,, see him again in 2 or 3 years

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