Can the erstwhile heavyweight kingpin, Andy Ruiz, recapture the glory of his unexpected triumph over Anthony Joshua back in 2019? Ruiz – who recently shared a brief training video showcasing his remarkably swift hands – has been absent from the ring for a year, his last bout ending in a draw against “Big Baby” Miller.
Andy Ruiz: A Potential Resurgence?
At 35 years of age, Ruiz is strategizing his return. In discussions with various media outlets over the past weekend, Ruiz, known as “The Destroyer,” expressed his eagerness to compete again, as reported by Talk Sport.
“My hands feel strong, and I’m in a good place,” Ruiz stated. “I’m mentally and spiritually prepared. This September, I plan to meet with Turki [Alalshikh] and other key figures to discuss potential fights. My hope is to be back in the ring by December or January.”
The current heavyweight landscape is precisely where a fighter of Ruiz’s caliber, distinguished by his extraordinary hand speed, should be. Ruiz’s primary challenge has been maintaining focus and consistent activity. When at his peak, both mentally and physically, Ruiz poses a significant threat to any heavyweight and is a captivating presence in the ring. With a record of 35-2-1(22), Ruiz has never suffered a decisive defeat, and he remains relatively fresh as he approaches his 36th birthday next month.
While it’s a conditional scenario, if Ruiz maintains his current fitness level, retains his competitive drive, and secures suitable fights that inspire him to fully utilize his skills and talent, the Mexican-American fighter could potentially achieve further significant victories before retiring. Ruiz has never been stopped, has sustained minimal damage in his fights, and possesses the potential for a comeback, provided he is truly committed.
Alalshikh and the Prospect of Ruiz’s Future Bouts
Alalshikh is likely to provide Ruiz with enticing and meaningful fight opportunities, accompanied by the lucrative financial incentives associated with participating in Riyadh-based events. A matchup between Ruiz and any of the following opponents would undoubtedly generate fan interest, and it is hoped that these potential fights would also appeal to “The Destroyer” should they be offered.
Consider these possibilities:
- Ruiz Vs. Daniel Dubois – a chance for both fighters to revitalize their careers.
- Ruiz Vs. Anthony Joshua – a trilogy fight between two former champions seeking to reclaim their status.
- Ruiz Vs. Zhilei Zhang – A potentially captivating and intriguing contest.
- Ruiz Vs. Jared Anderson – A formidable challenge for Anderson and an opportunity for Ruiz to defeat a rising star.
- Ruiz Vs. Deontay Wilder – An undeniably compelling fight that would attract a wide audience.
- With a few impressive wins, Ruiz could find himself in contention for another world title shot.
Do you agree or disagree with these potential matchups?
