It was just over a week ago that Andy Ruiz Jr was reportedly eyeing a potential October bout with Charles Martin, two former ex-heavyweight titlists, however short their reigns.
But Ruiz instead is looking at a December return date, following a surgery on his right knee in Guadalajara this past Tuesday.
The 31-year-old Ruiz (34-2, 22 KO) famously upset Anthony Joshua to win the WBA, IBF, and WBO heavyweight titles in June 2019, shocking the world and becoming the biggest story in sports for a moment in time.
Six months later, he showed up wildly out of shape and was easily out-boxed over 12 rounds in the rematch with Joshua, then he sat out all of 2020 before returning this past May in a decision win over Chris Arreola.
Ruiz is still training with Eddy Reynoso, whom he linked with after firing Manny Robles following the Joshua rematch disaster, because someone had to take the fall, and he definitely got himself in better shape for the Arreola fight.
December could also be an optimistic timeline here, as a knee surgery for a big guy isn’t always easy, even if it’s a routine or “minor” procedure. But hopefully we see him ready and back in the ring sooner than later, he’s still one of the better and more fun-to-watch heavyweights out there when he’s on his game.