Former unified heavyweight champion Andy “The Destroyer” Ruiz Jr. and all-action heavyweight Chris “The Nightmare” Arreola went face-to-face Wednesday at the final press conference before they meet in the FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-View main event this Saturday, May 1 from Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California.
“We finally have the chance to give the fans what they want to see Saturday night. It’s going to be a privilege.” – Ruiz
“Just seeing Andy today gets my blood going, because I’m ready to fight right now.” – Arreola
Full Quotes
ANDY RUIZ JR.
“I was at 310 pounds when I started this camp. We started losing weight slowly but surely. People are wondering if I’m still going to have the same power after losing weight, but I’ve been working hard for this moment and the power is definitely staying with me.
“It’s motivating to be looking at Chris right now. I haven’t seen him in a long time. Now we finally have the chance to give the fans what they want to see Saturday night. It’s going to be a privilege.
“Everyone has a plan until they get hit in the face. We both have to do our business in there. I’m praying to be victorious and for both of us to come out healthy. The better man will win on Saturday night.
“I believe I have the fastest hands at heavyweight. I’m not where I want to be at right now, but I’m a lot better than where I was. I have so much to prove starting Saturday night.
“The lack of discipline that I had before training with Eddy Reynoso has been the biggest difference heading into this fight. You can’t play boxing. You have to stay ready always. That’s one of the main things that I’ve focused on, in addition to perfecting every movement I make in the ring.
“The game plan is always to be victorious. We have little strategies and combinations that we’re perfecting. I’m making sure I’m throwing punches the right way. I appreciated every trainer that I’ve had, and I learned something from all of them, but I feel like being in camp with Eddy was the best move for me.
“Right now I’m motivated. I killed the old Andy and a new Andy was born. I have a lot to prove. I let a lot of people down, and that’s why I had to make big changes to myself. I know what I’m capable of doing and I know what I can accomplish. I have it inside of me to become the Mexican two-time heavyweight champion of the world.
“Chris is a strong man. He comes forward, he takes punches and he gives punches. My speed and the combinations that I’ve been working on in the gym are going to throw him off a little bit.
“It’s going to be an all action fight. We both came here to win. God willing we get this victory and all the sacrifice we gave are going to pay off. I just have to do my job.
“Eddy made a really big difference for me. He’s helped my motivation and confidence. Without that discipline, I don’t think I would have been in this shape.
“I want the heavyweight title even more now. It’s because of the way I lost. I Imagine that if I had been in this shape, I would have won the rematch with Joshua. Things happen for a reason and I’m just happy that I have the mindset that I have now.
“My natural speed and counter punching is going to overwhelm Arreola in the ring. I’m not the same fighter who sparred him when I was 16-years-old.
“After my defeat against Joshua, I know that I have to prove to a lot of people, and also to myself, that all my dedication will pay off in the ring. I know Chris Arreola is here to knock my head off, just like I’m trying to do to him. Once we’re inside that ring, the switch will be on, because we’re both trying to provide for our family.”
CHRIS ARREOLA
“I feel very rejuvenated heading into this fight. I’m excited and ready to go. Today is just a press conference, but just seeing Andy today gets my blood going, because I’m ready to fight right now.
“I always want to win, but facing someone like Andy, who’s accomplished what he has, can add another notch to my belt. He’s the man that beat the man, so I want to beat that man.
“We’re heavyweights, so as long as we’re over 200 pounds, every punch is going to hurt. This is the hurt business. He’s a skillful fighter and I’m ready for what he has to offer.
“I’ve worked so hard, but I haven’t been trying to just lose weight specifically. The hard work has showed in my body and it’s going to show on Saturday.
“Ruiz and Adam Kownacki are very different fighters. With Adam, we just slugged it out. With Andy, I have to be aware at all times. He has some of the fastest hands in the division. I have to make sure I move my head, because this is going to be a great fight.
“I know what my trainer Joe Goossen wants me to do. I know he wants me to work hard every time at every moment. He’s always watching me, so I can’t take a round off in the gym. There’s no substitute for hard work and I appreciate that from Joe.
“This fight isn’t personal in the fact that I dislike Andy. I have a lot of respect for Andy, and that’s why I trained extra hard. This is going to be one of those battles of attrition. This is a fight that I need to win for my legacy.
“I haven’t separated myself from my family during camp to the extent that I did for this fight before. I had to make sure I had nothing but Andy on my mind. I had to put my best foot forward every day. This is a mountain of a man, and I don’t mean his size, I mean his strength and all-around skill.
“I’ve worked nonstop on defense with Joe. That’s definitely something we emphasized. I’m going to counter punch and make sure I bring those hands back. All I know is, I’m going to give Ruiz war and a great fight.
“Saturday’s coming and I can’t wait. I put the hard work in at the gym and Saturday is time to showcase it. We’re going to leave our friendship aside once we step into the ring. That friendship is out the door until that last bell rings.”
Based on my observations, I got Ruiz with a TKO. Ruiz’s speed, youth, and counter-punching will soften up the 40-year-old pugilist. Any predictions from anyone?
Could not have said it better Scoob, looking forward to it.
I agree with you scooby, I don’t see this going ten rounds. I think this is Chris’ last big night. That said I’m still mystified as to how anyone thinks this should be on PPV..?
I agree, the PPV gig is overdoing it. Personally, I am not going to buy it. Sorry, but I will be patient and watch the free upload following the fight. I feel as if I contribute and pay for this I am enabling greedy promoters and networks to continue this trend with many fights. I know the fighters need food on their table, but they do have contractual monies set forth prior to the fights. Have a great day today.
Agreed! This a typical cable main event. Maybe they figure two popular Mexican heavyweights will draw better PPV among that demo than the fight would otherwise warrant?
Agreed
Ruiz should have another easy win against Another mid level at best, well past his prime opponent. Ruiz is very good, but has gotten by on youth. that will end soon. he is no longer in his 20’s. being obese and out of shape most of the time Will catch up to him soon. (ask Mike Tyson about relying on youth when older) lets see what Ruiz does after this hand picked opponent. wouldnt it be great if he continued to train and actually got into top shape for a fight. it would be a first…
He is in top shape. Never in his career has he been anywhere near the kind of condition he is now. His association with Reynoso will help him optimize his skills. Whether he can maintain that discipline moving forward is the real question , most fighters with his history don’t.
no he isnt. better, but no-where near top shape. its a good start though.
I got ruiz….dude looks like a mature fighter not old but……..humble not intimidated…..professionally confident. Looks for a 6th round k o from ruiz. Tire an agressive fighter by dancing and quick counter combinations
I like them both but Ruiz is not a heavy puncher so he may win a decision or he may be the second coming of Buster Douglas. We will soon find out.
Andy is a very skilled fighter, but ballooning to 310 in between fights just isn’t healthy at all. Don’t see a long career or possibly life for him at this rate. Could wind up the Luther Vandross of boxing. Sad. He should handily win this fight though. Chris’ best years are far behind him.
That was what stuck out to me as well. “New Andy,” but he showed up to camp at 310? The fact he’s a former champ fighting Arreola should tell you what you know about the confidence his camp has in him.
imagine if Ruiz showed up to camp at his current weight and condition.
Willis, you are correct that ballooning up and down in weight in this fashion does, in fact, pose health problems. Metabolic syndrome (prediabetes) is one risk factor and as folks practice this behavior, it simply gets one close to the diabetes type 2 diagnosis. Diabetics have up to a 50% increased risk of heart diseases as opposed to nondiabetics. Andy, in my opinion, appears to have a food addiction problem. Is this common? You may be surprised as I see it on my job often.
Forget the fight. These guys both look great. They both worked their asses off, and I hate to see a loser in this match.
With that said, Andy Ruiz will win by KO or TKO.
It’s up to Ruiz who wins this fight on how he performs. Seen this so often, an old fighter looks in great shape, looks good in sparring, then in the fight looks great, but unfortunately only for a few rounds at most. All the best Arreola, I hope you have this one good fight left in you somehow to get to and still look good the later rounds.
John Ruiz had a world title and is t he Mexican American??? So Andy Ruiz was not the first Mexican heavyweight
I think it’s because John Ruiz is of Puerto Rican descent and Mexican descent.
And not Mexican descent I meant to say.
John Ruiz , the Quiet Man was Puerto Rican American.
John Ruiz , aka the ” Quiet Man” was Puerto Rican American.
PBC making these fights pay per view. I don’t think is going to do well.
If Ruiz happens to win this fight, his next one should be against Wilder. What do you think?
I like Arreola, he seems like a good guy. But if Ruiz wants to be taken seriously, this is absolutely the wrong fight. There’s an army of guys who are far more legitimate opponents. This reeks of a promoter that knows Ruiz was lucky to beat an off Joshua and knows he’s susceptible to any talented hungry fighter, so they’ll avoid those at all costs trying to squeeze their way into a money fight. Typical American boxing BS.
Should be a good fight while it lasts. Ruiz has the greater skills , Areola never says die. Ruiz should win by TKO otherwise it will be a disappointment.