Andy “The Destroyer” Ruiz shocked the boxing world in 2019.
After a failed drug test by Jarrell “Big Baby” Miller, challenger to British sensation, heavyweight world champion Anthony Joshua, Ruiz was a late replacement.
There was a foreshadowing at the press conference on the Upper West Side of Manhattan when an extremely likable Joshua handed over his belts to Ruiz for a photo opp. The head-scratching moment would prove prophetic.
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The fateful night that Joshua made his U.S. debut, Ruiz executed a cinematic style dismantling of the highly favored Brit, turning the tables and knocking him out in the seventh round.
Ruiz (33-2, 22 KOs) took home the titles, becoming the first Mexican heavyweight boxing champion in history.
Then the party started.
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The 31-year-old from Imperial, California, was paraded worldwide, and he indulged in the excesses that come with being a champion. He gained weight and lived in the moment, so it was no surprise when he lost his rematch with Joshua by unanimous decision.
The humbling moment allowed him to reflect, change his camp to the now world famous gym of Eddy Reynoso, home of superstar Canelo Alvarez. Now rededicated to boxing, Ruiz is looking to regain the heavyweight championship he lost.
In his way is Mexican-American legend Chris Arreola.
“I can’t wait to get back in the ring on May 1,” said Ruiz. “Training with coach Eddy in his gym has been amazing. I’m around great fighters like Canelo Alvarez, and we’re putting in the work so that I can look better than ever.
“I have known Chris Arreola since I turned professional. He’s a Mexican warrior just like me, and I expect him to come at me with everything he’s got.
“This is going to be an action packed event between fighters who do not go backwards. I will be smart and ready to do whatever it takes to get the win and put myself back in position to become heavyweight champion again.”
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Ruiz and Arreola have been circling each other for years. Arreola wanted to become the first fighter of Mexican descent to win the heavyweight title.
However, Ruiz accomplished that while Arreola still hungers for it. This high-stakes match will determine who remains in the hunt.
Arreola (38-6-1, 33 KOs) has a career that has spanned 17 years, and he remains one of the most dangerous heavyweights in the sport.
Born in East Los Angeles to parents from Mexico, Arreola has fought for the heavyweight championship three times and come up short.
Ruiz lost in the title he gained in popularity and achievement no one can ever take away as he headlines a FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-View from Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California.
