Andy Ruiz Jr.’s Transformation and Return to Boxing
Former heavyweight champion Andy Ruiz Jr. is generating buzz for his apparent transformation as he gears up for his return to the ring. Recent training videos showcase a leaner, sharper version of Ruiz, leading enthusiasts and skeptics alike to speculate about the authenticity of these visuals.
Past Controversies and Skepticism
The boxing world remains cautious, given the memory of Ruiz’s last preparation for a rematch with Anthony Joshua in 2019, which saw him misrepresent his fitness levels. Leading up to that fight, he posted images sparring with Michael Hunter, seemingly in peak form. However, when fight night arrived, Ruiz weighed in at 283.7 pounds—the heaviest he’d been since the start of his professional career in 2009, and a staggering 15 pounds more than his shocking victory in New York just six months prior.
Adding to the controversy, he weighed in while dressed casually in jeans and trainers and later acknowledged that he hadn’t committed to a full training camp as he celebrated his prior victory and lucrative earnings. This led many fans to feel deceived, coining the term ‘catfished’ to describe the misleading build-up. Anticipations for a repeat of his stunning upset were dashed as Joshua easily outmaneuvered an untrained and sluggish opponent.
Community Reactions
Ruiz’s inability to perform, marked by his failure to cut off the ring or land effective combinations, left spectators feeling cheated, with some even demanding refunds from bookmakers after the fight—a demand complicated by the event’s location in Saudi Arabia, which obscured scrutiny.
Trainer Kevin Cunningham expressed his outrage at Ruiz’s lack of commitment, stating that a champion should not be motivated to defend their title while exceeding 300 pounds. Fellow trainer Teddy Atlas humorously remarked that even a sand dune appeared in better shape than Ruiz at that time.
Looking Ahead
Now, as Ruiz embarks on another journey to reclaim his former glory, he assures fans of his dedication and preparedness this time around. However, the reminder of his past misrepresentation lingers, casting a shadow of doubt over his current training efforts. Until Ruiz substantiates his claims through both weigh-ins and performances in the ring, the skepticism remains palpable.
As one fan succinctly put it online, “We’ve been catfished before. Until Ruiz steps through the ropes in fighting shape, it’s just smoke and mirrors.”
