Andy Ruiz Jr blames ‘three months of partying and celebrating’ for Anthony Joshua defeat in Saudi Arabia
ANDY RUIZ JR has admitted “three months of partying” was to blame for his one-sided defeat to Anthony Joshua.
But on Saturday night in Saudi Arabia, it was a very different Ruiz Jr standing toe-toe-toe with Joshua – weighing 15lbs heavier for a start.
And speaking after the fight, Ruiz Jr admitted his preparation was to blame for the tame loss.
The 30-year-old said: “Three months of partying and celebrating affected me, what can I say?
“Being overweight, I wasn’t fluid enough, I wasn’t moving the way I wanted to move.
“I think if I’m lighter I’m going to let my hands go and be a completely different fighter.”
DIDN’T LISTEN TO COACHES
He was then asked what he’d do differently if granted a rematch with Joshua.
He replied: “Listen to my coach. Listen to my dad. And take it more seriously.
“I’m OK, I’m just a little disappointed. I should have listened to them.
“I tried to do the training on my own. I should have listened to them more.
Check out all the top stories from an incredible night of boxing in Saudi Arabia…
- Keep up to date with all the live stories and reaction with our Joshua-Ruiz live blog
- Slim AJ outboxes and outpoints Ruiz to exact revenge in Saudi Arabia
- Joshua’s classy message for Ruiz in the ring after his win
- Wilder launches X-rated at Ruiz for “not taking s*** seriously”
- Joshua landed nearly DOUBLE the amount of punches of Ruiz
- Joshua’s next five potential opponents, including Usyk
“There’s no excuses…the partying and all that stuff got the best of me.
“For being out of shape I did pretty good, I took all his shots.
“I got him a few times. If we’d have gone toe to toe. For the trilogy I know I’m going to be a lot better.”
