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Former unified heavyweight world champion Andy Ruiz expects all-out drama when he returns for the first time since December 2019, when he face fellow Mexican Chris Arreola.
Their fight will headline a pay-per-view card on Saturday, May 1, from Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California.
In his last fight, Ruiz was outboxed over the twelve round distance to lose his IBF, IBO, WBA, WBO world titles to Anthony Joshua in Saudi Arabia.
The bout was a rematch of their June 2019 clash, when Ruiz shocked the world by dropping Joshua four times for a seventh round stoppage win.
Ruiz has made some changes – like parting ways with head trainer Manny Robles.
Last year, he hired veteran coach Eddy Reynoso – who is best known for his work with Mexican superstar Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez, Ryan Garcia, Oscar Valdez and several others.
“I can’t wait to get back in the ring on May 1,” said Ruiz. “Training with coach Eddy in his gym has been amazing. I’m around great fighters like Canelo Alvarez and we’re putting in the work so that I can look better than ever.
“I have known Chris Arreola since I turned professional. He’s a Mexican warrior just like me, and I expect him to come at me with everything he’s got. This is going to be an action packed event between fighters who do not go backwards. I will be smart and ready to do whatever it takes to get the win and put myself back in position to become heavyweight champion again.”
Arreola, a 17 year veteran in the final leg of his career, is looking to pull off a big upset.
“Training with Joe Goossen is tedious, hard work,” said Arreola.
“We’re doing everything that we can so that when Ruiz and I face each other, fight fans will get treated to an all-out war between the two best Mexican-American heavyweights to ever step in the ring. This matchup should be a fan friendly fight, and I plan on winning behind all of my hard work.”