Andy Ruiz is aware of what the air is like on the prime of the mountain. He additionally is aware of how damning the view may be from the underside.
Since grabbing three of the 4 main titles within the heavyweight division in 2019 in opposition to Anthony Joshua, Ruiz has been unable to search out any consistency. With solely two fights in 5 years, the 34-year-old is hoping to search out a bit of rhythm when he takes on Jarrell Miller on August third.
Trying previous his good buddy and former sparring accomplice wouldn’t be sagacious. So, with no room for error, Ruiz (35-2, 22 KOs) is inserting all of his deal with downing the previous highly-ranked contender. If he does, followers received’t must play the guessing sport when it comes to who he desires subsequent.
“God prepared we get Miller out of the best way,” Ruiz informed a gaggle of reporters. “There’s so many fighters on the market however I positively wish to struggle Joseph Parker and get the rematch with him.”
Again in 2016, an undefeated Ruiz climbed into the ring in opposition to Parker with the vacant WBO title up for grabs. With an opportunity to grow to be a world champion in his arms, Ruiz was left shellshocked when the three judges scoring their showdown gave the slightest edge to Parker.
Ultimately, Parker (35-3, 23 KOs) would lose his title to Anthony Joshua, whereas Dillian Whyte and Joe Joyce additionally took their pound of flesh. However simply when Parker and his profession have been left for useless, he turned issues round.
Now, with a five-fight win streak, together with back-to-back victories over Deontay Wilder and Zhilei Zhang, Parker is likely one of the hotter names within the division.
Though he’s moved on, Ruiz, at instances, sulks despondently over what befell practically a decade in the past. The ball isn’t in his court docket but when Parker have been prepared to throw him a lifeline, Ruiz believes the tip outcome shall be totally different.
“I do know I might have finished higher. God prepared, he provides me the chance.”
