ANDY RUIZ JR has revealed he was left ‘depressed and crying’ after his dismal defeat to Anthony Joshua in their rematch.
The Mexican-American shocked the world when he battered Joshua into his first-ever defeat in June 2019.
But their second fight six months later couldn’t have been any different.
An unfit and out-of-shape Ruiz Jr was easily outboxed over 12 rounds and surrendered the WBA, WBO and IBF titles he had so spectacularly won earlier that year.
After the one-sided defeat he admitted he had ‘six months of partying’ that had ultimately cost him any chance of a second win against AJ.
Now, speaking to DAZN ahead of his comeback fight against Chris Arreloa on May 1, Ruiz Jr has opened up on his battles outside the ring.
The 31-year-old, who has lost THREE STONE in weight, said: “There was one moment, I was so down in my life.
“I was depressed, I was crying that I needed to make a change.
“I feel like this is the beginning of my career because out of all the years that I’ve been training and fighting, I feel like this is the time that I’m doing everything right.
“I feel like I’m more motivated than before.”
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Ruiz Jr has a new trainer in Eddy Reynoso, who also works with Canelo Alvarez.
The two Mexicans have been working together in the gym and boxing ring – which has seemingly given Ruiz Jr the motivation to get into shape.
A victory against 40-year-old Californian Arreloa will put Ruiz back into contention in the heavyweight division.
Ruiz Jr added: “Canelo been telling me that this is a daily routine, life routine that we need to stay focused, stay disciplined.
“He’s showing me a lot of tips when I’m sparring, hitting the bag or how I should throw my punches to be more effective.”
Canelo has his own fight to prepare for too, when he faces Brit Billy Joe Saunders on May 8.
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Source: Boxing - thesun.co.uk