[tps_title]Ruiz’s Huge Win Might Make Him Train Harder Than Ever[/tps_title]
Ruiz came up as a heavyweight prospect under Top Rank, but he never really appeared to be on his way to a world title.
Against Joseph Parker in 2016, Ruiz almost pulled off an upset against the New Zealander in his home country. But instead, Parker outlasted Ruiz and judges awarded Parker the controversial majority decision.
The fight was close and could have gone either way. But Ruiz reportedly wasn’t even sure he wanted to box all that much after the bout, but he made the switch over to Al Haymon and got a new lease on life.
But one wonders if Ruiz might get even better after his huge win. Being a solid contender who gets good money to fight A-sides is one thing. But being the champion of the world can sometimes lift a fighter’s training to the next level.
One thing is certain. Ruiz weighed 268 pounds for the Joshua fight. He said afterward it’s because he didn’t really have time to put in the work he would normally do due to the short notice.
The next fight should have a fully trained and completely engaged Ruiz. So it’s completely possible the next version of Ruiz could be the best one ever.