The return of Andy Ruiz to the ring is one of the most expected fights in boxing in recent months. Not only because of the figure he represents in the heavyweight division, but also because of the transformation process he has gone through. Now he will have the opportunity to fight veteran Chris Arreola in a World Boxing Association (WBA) eliminator fight this Saturday at the Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California.
The bout will be the featured bout of the TGB Promotions event and will be between two experienced opponents who are both aiming for a title shot in the short term. Ruiz lost his titles in a unanimous decision to Anthony Joshua in December 2019 and has not fought since.
In this time he has changed trainers and joined Team Canelo with Eddy Reynoso. A great physical change has been seen through social networks, in addition to another disposition on his behalf and now all the fans are anxious to see his changes in the ring.
“I weighed 310 pounds when I started this camp. We started losing weight slowly but steadily. People wonder if I will still have the same power after losing weight, but I have been working hard for this moment and the power is definitely going to stay with me,” Ruiz said at this week’s press conference.
“I think I have the fastest hands in the heavyweight. I’m not where I want to be right now, but I’m a lot better than where I was. I have a lot to prove starting Saturday night. The lack of discipline I had before training with Eddy Reynoso has been the biggest difference heading into this fight. You can’t play boxing,” he continued.
For his part, Arreola also said he feels very well for the fight and with a lot of motivation for this titanic clash: “I feel very rejuvenated for this fight. I’m excited and ready to go. Today is just a press conference, but just seeing Andy today gets my blood flowing, because I’m ready to fight right now.”
The two will feature in the main event fight for a shot at a world title. Ruiz has a record of 33 wins, 2 losses and 22 knockouts, while Arreola has a record of 38 wins, 6 losses, 1 draw and 33 knockouts.
