Former unified heavyweight world champion Andy “The Destroyer” Ruiz Jr. and top contender Luis “King Kong” Ortiz faced off for the first time on Wednesday, at a Los Angeles press conference to preview their WBC heavyweight world title eliminator which headlines a FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-View on September 4 in a Labor Day weekend clash at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles.
Andy Ruiz Jr: “This isn’t a weightlifting contest, so I’ve been getting back to what originally made me a champion. I’m not here to lose weight or look the part, I just want to be the part…I wanted to work with (new trainer) Alfredo Osuna a long time ago, it just wasn’t the right time then. He’s used to training for lefty fighters. I feel like this is exactly what I needed for this fight. My team is going to bring the best out of me. This might not go the distance, but I’m prepared to go all 12 rounds. We’re going to get this victory no matter what on September 4.”
Luis Ortiz: “I don’t believe there’s any advantage to the fact that I’ve been more active than Andy. I believe in hard work and the mental makeup of a fighter. That’s what I’ve been focusing on day after day. My main objective right now is to win on September 4. Then after that, I’ll see who crawls out and steps up. So far there haven’t been too many at the elite level. This fight is going to end in a knockout. I’m sure Andy thinks the same thing. This one isn’t going to go 12 rounds.”
Solid, solid fight.
King Kong vs The Doughboy
Good fight ahead
I think Ruiz stops the Ortiz that fought Martin in his last fight.
I think Ortiz stops the Ruiz who fought Areola in his last fight
I agree. Ruiz is getting KTFO. The 2 can go out to McDonald’s after the fight.
Yep my money is on ruiz. King Kong is too old, too slow and his knees are getting bad. This could be kong’s last dance.
– Looking for a good fight here.
– Favoring King Kong.
I am going with the underdog in this fight. Andy Ruiz is going to get KTFO by Luis Ortiz.
Who is sponsoring this fight?
McDonald’s.
Ruiz by late KO! I feel King Kong’s age is going to work against him, along with Ruiz’s hand speed. Plus, I highly doubt Ruiz will come in as light as he did in the Arreola fight, he’ll be around the weight when he fought against Joshua in the first fight.
Decent Heavyweight scrap here, tough one to call, but I’m going to go with Ruiz. Father time is undefeated and Ortiz is a relic.
Punch for punch Ortiz wins it. I have a feeling Andy would love to out box him. Interesting fight.
not paying to see ruiz do anything. not until he proves himself
Proves himself? Ruiz is a former undisputed heavyweight champion who destroyed a former undefeated champion. Yes, he did eat himself out of a championship in the rematch, but King Kong has never reached those heights…..smh.
jgari
ridiculous, look, Ruiz is very likeable. but he has 1 good win. the rest of his bouts, he had to be put in light due to stamina etc.. all stemming from him not fit enough and obese… against parker he lost close because he was not in good enough condition either. so No i am not paying to see him. ridiculous
Despite your opinion on Ruiz, he is a top ten heavyweight who would give any champion or challenger problems in his division. I highly doubt he has stamina issues when the majority of the fights were decisions. You do not have to knock people out in every fight to prove your worth. I wonder if you would feel the same way if he was muscular like Joshua? Having muscles or “looking the part” doesn’t always determine the level of fighter you are, not every heavyweight have those genetics, and Ruiz proved to the world that skills, determination, and belief in yourself can be just as important than appearance. Your loss!
Ruiz is a top ten guy who had a good night. Not much more. This will be an interesting matchup, and definitely one worth watching – on YouTube, after it takes place, and definitely without spending any money.
How old is Ortiz really I do wonder. Really like his boxing style, but his age is against him, but while he is in the fight he stands a good chance. Looking forward to this.
The winner of this should fight Chisora or Joyce.