FORMER heavyweight world champ Andy Ruiz Jr has opened up on his epic body transformation ahead of his return to the ring on May 1.
The 31-year-old faces Chris Arreola in what will be his first bout since losing his WBA, WBO and IBF titles in his rematch against Anthony Joshua in December 2019.
Ruiz Jr weighed in over a stone heavier for his second fight against AJ as he ballooned to over 20 stone.
That was to be his last bout with Manny Robles in his corner, as he linked up with Saul Alvarez’s trainer Eddy Reynoso last year.
And he is looking in great shape, with the Mexican-American already shedding over three stone for his comeback dust-up against Arreola.
Speaking during a virtual press conference, the Destroyer revealed he is taking competing more seriously now as he looks to become a two-time world champion.
He told Fight Hub TV: “Losing from my last fight against Anthony Joshua, it was devastating, because I did not do the things that I was supposed to do.
“I look back right now and I’m like ‘Damn, if I would’ve stayed dedicated, if I would’ve stayed disciplined and do the right things that I was supposed to do…’
“And that was the most important fight of my life… but now it’s totally different. Now I got my mind right, I got a great trainer, so we’re just ready for May 1.”
Before adding: “I’ve always been overweight and now that I’ve been dropping weight normally and in the right way by eating right, not just wearing the sauna suit, starving yourself.
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“Because that’s what I used to do back in the day. But now that we’re eating the right things, we’re working on the right things, I feel amazing.
“I can do better stuff that I couldn’t do before because of my big gut, I had chi-chis, I had t**s that wouldn’t let me throw the right punches and all that.
“But now I’m more motivated, I’m more dedicated in this sport and sky’s the limit.”
Ruiz Jr recently had his say on Joshua’s eagerly-anticipated undisputed title fight against Tyson Fury, where he backed the Gypsy King to win.
Source: Boxing - thesun.co.uk
