ANDY RUIZ JR reminded fans of why he is the current unified champion of the world – by showing off his devastating hand speed. The WBA, IBF and WBO ruler held a public workout in San Diego on Sunday and took the opportunity to showcase the tools that helped dethrone Anthony Joshua in June. Ruiz […]
ANDY RUIZ JR reminded fans of why he is the current unified champion of the world – by showing off his devastating hand speed.
The WBA, IBF and WBO ruler held a public workout in San Diego on Sunday and took the opportunity to showcase the tools that helped dethrone Anthony Joshua in June.
Ruiz smashed the pads with trainer Manny Robles ahead of his rematch against Brit superstar AJ in Saudi Arabia on December 7.
And supporters are already warning Joshua he faces another disaster night when the pair meet again for the heavyweight titles.
One said: “I hate to be on the end of that punch. Good luck AJ.”
Another said: “Would kill the average man.”
One added: “There’s no way Joshua going to cop his belt back.”
Another commented: “AJ better be training harder, this Mexican is on to something. More of mental than physical this time around. Sometimes speed kills.”
Snickers lover Ruiz revealed he wants to drop 10lbs to become more nimble before he makes the first defence of his unified titles.
But with images already showing the 19st underdog hero in trimmer frame, former world champion Timothy Bradley expressed concern about the switch in tactics.
He told Fighthype: “I don’t like the fact that Ruiz is changing his whole look and whole physique.
“I think that’s going to hurt him. But I think he might speed up with the hand speed. It might speed up, but I’m worried about the power.
“I don’t know if he’s going to have the weight behind his punches anymore, and that’s what he’s going to need honestly. That’s what he’s going to need to stop Joshua.
“He’s going to need that punching power, and his speed behind it. I told him the last time I saw him, ‘Be yourself, man. Who cares about all this stuff whatever. Be you. Do what got you there.’
“He just needs to be hungry. That’s it, and be a dog. Be able to take the punches from Joshua, and dish it back.”
