Andy Ruiz Jr set for a slimmed-down ring return against Chris Arreola. Andy Ruiz Jr said, "I killed the old Andy and a new Andy was born." His heavyweight titles have fueled a 55lb weight loss as he prepares to return to the ring for the first time in 17 months.
The Mexican has not fought since losing a rematch to Anthony Joshua in December of 2019. He said, "I have a lot to prove," he said as he prepares to fight American Chris Arreola in California on Saturday. I let a lot of people down, and that's why I had to make big changes to myself."
Ruiz, 31 became Mexico's first world heavyweight champion when he stunned Joshua in their initial contest in June of 2019 but he later said the pressures and distractions that came with the titles proved problematic.
His frustration for heavyweight moved him to join forces with trainer Eddy Reynoso - the man who guides the career of pound-for-pound king Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez - and his social media pages are now filled with footage of workouts in the ring, gym and swimming pool.
He added, “I was at 310 pounds when I started this camp", who weighed 283lb for his rematch with Joshua and now says he is at 255lb.
Ruiz holds a record of 33 wins from 35 fights, while 40-year-old Arreola has lost six times in 47 outings.