With blistering hand speed and remarkable technique, Andy Ruiz Jr oozes talent, but with a lack of discipline outside the ring, he’s wasted a considerable chunk of his career, with his bout against Jarrell Miller, serving as his last opportunity to propel himself back into the big time.
‘The Destroyer’ will go head-to-head with ‘Big Baby’ on Saturday night at the BMO Stadium in Los Angeles, California, USA.
The puzzling career of Andy Ruiz Jr
Shortly before Terrence Crawford makes his bid to become a four-weight world champion against Israil Madrimov, Andy Ruiz Jr will step up to the plate against Jarrell Miller.
While gifted with far superior talent, fans are hesitant to outright pick the former heavyweight King to win, due to his extreme inconsistency over the years.
Born in Imperial, California, to a Mexican family, boxing was in his blood. At the age of seven, after being introduced to the sport by his father, Ruiz fought for the first time in San Diego, embarking on a journey that guided him to global supremacy.
After compiling a sensational 105-5 record as an amateur, the athlete turned professional, where he quickly caught the attention of the purists.
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With lightning combinations, Ruiz established his place as a top contender. However, it took seven years to secure his first title fight against Joseph Parker, which he lost via a close decision.
Despite the defeat, the sportsman had proven he had the minerals to compete at the top. But rather than diving right back into the deep end, he fell back into obscurity until three years later, Miller tested positive for performance-enhancing drugs, opening the door for Ruiz to step in and fight Anthony Joshua.
While the casual fans looked at the Californian’s body type and ruled him out, those in the know were more than aware of the challenge Ruiz presented.
In one of the greatest upsets of all time, the technical operator dropped AJ on four separate occasions, en route to claiming three heavyweight titles.
But despite having the world at his feet, rather than coming into the rematch in better shape, Ruiz turned up 16 pounds heavier and looked sluggish, during a decision loss to his rival.
The result epitomized ‘hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard’.
Ruiz’s performance bitterly disappointed fans, who were hopeful the first heavyweight champion of Mexican heritage would go on to carve out an iconic legacy.
Sadly, he’s fought just twice since, in victories over Chris Arreola and Luis Ortiz, and by the time he sets foot in the ring this weekend, he’ll have spent 23 months away from action.
Andy Ruiz needs to beat Jarrell Miller
With so much talent, it’s almost inconceivable that Ruiz has ended up in the position he is in today. With his old opponents, Joshua and Parker, both dining at the top table, it’s crazy to think that the 34-year-old is out on in the cold.
But he’s ultimately responsible for that himself. While injuries have played a part, had Ruiz shown more dedication to his craft, who knows where he’d be right now?
Regardless, while his career isn’t in the place he wants it to be, all hope is not yet lost. With a win on Saturday, he’ll explode back into the title picture, putting his name in line for an opportunity at the big boys.
However, getting past Miller is never an easy task. With far superior hand speed, technical skill and boxing IQ, if Ruiz is at his very best, he should be able to claim the victory.
But if he hasn’t trained correctly, the relentless pressure the New Yorker applies could leave him gasping for air as he ultimately drowns within a wave of non-stop punches.
With so much ability, the former champion’s destiny is in his own hands. This fight likely comes down to one simple thing—how much does Ruiz want it?
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