Andy Ruiz Jr. looks to be in tremendous condition ahead of his comeback, but fans are already questioning whether the latest training clips and images can be trusted.
The former heavyweight champion has posted videos of himself appearing leaner, sharper, and more agile than he has in years past. However, the boxing community has been fooled before.
In the run-up to the Anthony Joshua rematch in 2019, Ruiz also looked in superb condition on social media, sparring Michael Hunter just one month before the bout.
When fight night came, Ruiz tipped the scales at 283.7 pounds, his highest since 2009 – his first year as a pro. Ruiz was also 15 pounds heavier than he was in his shocking title-winning effort in New York six months earlier.
Not only did Ruiz weigh in wearing jeans, trainers, and even a sombrero, but he later admitted he hadn’t put in an entire camp, as parties galore took place to celebrate his victory and the highest payday of his career.
Andy Ruiz Jr. catfished the world
The excuses confirmed what fans and the media had feared: Ruiz had ‘catfished‘ the world.
Many were expecting Ruiz to repeat his New York feat, only to see Joshua coast to victory by dancing around a lumbering, underprepared opponent. Ruiz was unable to cut the ring off, failed to land combinations, and never threatened to repeat history.
People felt conned and called for bookmakers to refund losing tickets. But with the fight staged in Saudi Arabia, Ruiz escaped scrutiny, leaving a sour taste for those who believed his pre-fight appearances.
Trainer Kevin Cunningham was among those outraged at the time.
“It’s a disgrace when the heavyweight champion can’t get motivated enough to get focused and in shape. There were no intentions of defending the heavyweight championship weighing 300 pounds,” Cunningham blasted.
Former Mike Tyson mentor Teddy Atlas added, “I think I just saw a sand dune in better shape than Ruiz.”
Fool me once?
This time around, Ruiz claims things are different. The Mexican-American insists he has trained hard and is fully motivated for his comeback.
But the images of Ruiz looking slim and powerful ahead of Joshua II are still burned into the minds of fans. Unless Ruiz proves it on the scales and inside the ring, doubts will linger.
As one fan put it on social media: “We’ve been catfished before. Until Ruiz steps through the ropes in fighting shape, it’s just smoke and mirrors.”
About the Author
Phil Jay is a veteran boxing journalist with over 15 years of experience covering the global fight scene. As Editor-in-Chief of World Boxing News since 2010, Jay has interviewed dozens of world champions and reported ringside on boxing’s biggest nights. [View all articles by Phil Jay] and learn more about his work in combat sports journalism.