Andy Ruiz Jr has shown off a new trimmed physique ahead of his heavyweight return against Luis Ortiz.
The Mexican hasn't fought since labouring to victory against Chris Arreola last May in what was his first fight since losing to Anthony Joshua in 2019. Ruiz Jr was rumoured to be stepping back in the ring with Tyrone Spong in July as part of boxing promotion Triller's latest fight card.
However he is now preparing for the challenge of Ortiz in September, and has shown off his remarkable weight loss. Ruiz Jr can be seen in the footage working on his posture during a session, where he looks significantly lighter than in his previous victory. Fans commented in their droves about his physique with one remarking: "Who is that??? No way that’s Andy Ruiz."
Another added: "Bro is he even heavyweight anymore?" One even confused him for another person: "Damn he don’t even look like the same person." Ruiz Jr has faced a period of relative inactivity since losing his mega-money rematch with Joshua in Saudi Arabia.
The Mexican burst on to the scene with a sensational stoppage of Joshua six months previously before piling on a significant amount of weight. He looked out of shape for the rematch staged in the Middle East and was unable to get near Joshua, who delivered a slick display to win back the unified crown. Ruiz then took a two-year hiatus from the sport which was mostly down to the adverse effects of the coronavirus pandemic.
He made his ring return last year but looked unconvincing in a points victory over Arreola, where he was forced to recover from being dropped early on. Despite his lacklustre performance, he looked much leaner during that rematch after putting in a place a strict diet under the guide of trainer Eddy Reynoso.
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Ruiz Jr previously admitted he ballooned up to 22 stone following his victory over Joshua, but believes fans will now see him return in peak condition. “I’m tired man, you see me do all those f***ing drills? But, like I said, all this hard work and dedication is gonna pay off," Ruiz Jr said before his previous meeting with Arreola.
"I must have lost 40lb. After my fight against Anthony Joshua, my defeat in Saudi Arabia, I gained to like 310lb. I was depressed, I was mad at myself because I knew I should’ve trained, I knew I should’ve done better in my last fight, but it’s never too late. Now is the beginning to see the real and new Andy Ruiz Jr.
"In my other fights I used to weigh 270lbs, 280lbs and I would have to lose 20lbs just to get in my weight. I would always do it the wrong way, use plastic, try to lose weight at the last minute, drain myself. I’m ready to get my belts back, not just my belts, I’m coming for you Tyson Fury – I need that WBC.”
