ANDY RUIZ JR aims to use a win against Jarrell Miller as a springboard to get himself back into world heavyweight title contention.
It’s been nearly four years since the Mexican-American boxer shocked the sporting world beating Anthony Joshua in a stunning night at Madison Square Garden. Ruiz stepped in to replace original opponent Miller after he tested positive for a banned substance.
Joshua and Ruiz proceeded to have a shoot-out in the ring with the smaller heavyweight prevailing by seventh round stoppage after four knockdowns were shared between the pair. The reign of Ruiz lasted six months, however, when the Brit used a safety first approach to beat the champ and get his three world titles back.
The career of Ruiz, 35-2 (22) since then has been inactive to say the least. Two fights since his second defeat have left him in no man’s land. Wins against Chris Arreola and Luis Ortiz, both on points, have both failed to kickstart any ambition.
On August 3 Ruiz and Miller will put their friendship to one side knowing defeat for either would be a disaster. The first Riyadh Season event in the US, featuring a host of major promoters working together, is headlined by Terence Crawford vs. Israil Madrimov with an undercard featuring the talents of David Morrell, Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz, Andy Cruz and the mouth-watering prospect of Tim Tszyu vs. Vergil Ortiz Jr.
Today’s launch press conference was staged at Gotham Hall in New York where Boxing News spoke to the 34-year-old Ruiz about facing Miller.
“There’s no hard feelings, there’s no talking shit,” he said. “We’re friends outside of the ring but inside it’s all business. Basically, he’s going to become [my] enemy when we’re in the ring. We’re going to turn on that switch. It’s going to be an exciting fight.
“He’s a big guy, comes forward, he keeps throwing but I think with my combinations, my speed, the movement, the feints, everything that I’m going to be doing is going to be too much for him.”
Ruiz, who lost to Joseph Parker during their WBO title fight in New Zealand in 2016, believes another win in addition to beating Miller can put him back in with a chance of facing the best in the division once again.
“First, I got to secure the win,” he said. “Got to just climb up the ladders again. I’m not saying that I’m super far away from that, but I just got to get two fights in. I would like to fight Joseph Parker as well.
“After I do these fights to get my momentum back I’d love to fight Joseph Parker, Wilder and Joshua. All of them. I just need to get back in there.”
