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Andy Ruiz Jr - Can He Step Back Into The Spotlight?
Andy Ruiz Jr., the man who shocked the world by dethroning Anthony Joshua in 2019, is finally gearing up for a return to the ring. After months of speculation and absence, “The Destroyer” has taken to social media to announce that his injured thumb has healed, and he’s ready to get back to action. But with time ticking, Ruiz, now 35, finds himself at a crossroads: can he reclaim his former glory, or will he fade into the history books as a one-hit wonder?
A Career at a Crossroads
Ruiz’s last outing, a sluggish draw against Jarrell Miller in August, left fans and critics questioning his dedication to the sport. Entering the ring at a hefty weight, Ruiz showed flashes of the fast hands that made him famous but lacked the explosiveness that stunned Joshua. Compounding the performance was a thumb injury that sidelined him for months. This was only Ruiz's second fight since May 2021, raising concerns about his inactivity and commitment.
Now fully healed, Ruiz is at a critical juncture. At 35, he’s not exactly young in heavyweight terms, but he hasn’t endured the kind of punishing wars that typically wear down fighters in his weight class. With a professional record of 35-2-1 (22 KOs), Ruiz has the skills and pedigree to remain a threat in the division—if he can regain focus and consistency.
The Path Back to the Top
Ruiz has made it clear he’s eager to get back in the ring, asking fans, “Who should I fight this year?” It’s a valid question, with several intriguing options available:
Deontay Wilder: A showdown with the “Bronze Bomber” would be explosive. Wilder’s power versus Ruiz’s speed and counterpunching could create fireworks and propel the winner into title contention.
Dillian Whyte: A fight against the British brawler could serve as a redemption story for both men. Whyte’s recent setbacks make him a viable opponent for Ruiz to showcase his abilities.
Joe Joyce: “The Juggernaut” is known for his iron chin and relentless pressure. A victory over Joyce would reestablish Ruiz as a legitimate contender.
Jarrell Miller II: A rematch with Miller could settle the score and show whether Ruiz has learned from his previous mistakes.
Ruiz will likely need two or three significant wins to position himself for another title shot. More importantly, he must get back into the kind of shape that helped him topple Joshua. That means not just physical conditioning but a mental reset to reignite his hunger for the sport.
A Talent Too Good to Waste?
When motivated and in shape, Ruiz has proven he can compete with the best in the division. His hand speed, combination punching, and underrated durability make him a tough puzzle for any heavyweight. However, questions about his discipline and consistency have dogged him throughout his career. Fans and analysts alike wonder if Ruiz can reignite the fire that made him the first Mexican-American heavyweight champion or if he will fade into obscurity.
The heavyweight division is experiencing a renaissance, with big-money fights taking place in Saudi Arabia and other global hotspots. Ruiz’s absence from these marquee events is noticeable, but his return could be perfectly timed. If he can deliver a string of strong performances, there’s no reason he can’t reinsert himself into the mix of top-tier heavyweights.
The Clock Is Ticking
At this stage of his career, Ruiz doesn’t have the luxury of time. He needs to stay active, stay disciplined, and remind the boxing world why he was once the king of the heavyweight division. Whether he’s chasing a second title or looking to secure legacy-defining wins against big names, the potential for redemption is there.
Ruiz’s journey back to the top begins now. His thumb is healed, his spirit seems renewed, and the heavyweight division is waiting. The only question is: can Andy Ruiz seize the moment, or will he let it slip away?
What do you think? Who should Ruiz fight next, and can he recapture the magic of his 2019 victory over Joshua? Let us know in the comments below!
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