PBC on FOX PPV: Crypto.com Arena; Los Angeles, California
Sometimes when you expect a big fireworks display, you get a couple of sparklers instead. Such is life in sports. Between both Andy Ruiz and Luis Ortiz had the futures of their careers just about stamped in The Golden State. Although he is very much still hunting for gold again; Ruiz still has an uphill battle on his hands.
For the first-time in the 32-year old’s career he was facing a southpaw. Something that had him almost looking like he was stuck in the mud. But hey as they say, “a wins a win”. With Ruiz picking up a 113-112, 114-111 (2x) unanimous decision it puts him one-step closer to his goal by winning the first WBC title eliminator fights.
The opponent he has long talked about wanting to fight also looked not himself. Deontay Wilder was not only there, and came into the ring post-fight to show respect to both fighters, but was extremely jovial with the fans. Normally at arms length he had no problems signing autographs and taking photos with people.
This win gives Ruiz a two-fight win streak since losing the titles back to Anthony Joshua. However, both unanimous decisions were mostly uneventful. And while not excuses perse; there’s a list of possible reasons. A southpaw; and a tough one at that, three different trainers in three straight fights, although he didn’t look physically sloppy; his weight was back up. On the positive side he continued to show his solid hand speed, especially his rights and hooks.
Ruiz Still Has Uphill Battle No Matter Who’s Next
He’ll need to work and work and work some more with ALFREDO OSUNA to get comfortable with him as a trainer. And the weight will continue to be an issue for him. Should Robert Helenius pull the upset against Wilder next month in Brooklyn a little more weight may help him to push the action. Going to the body will be successful, and the hand speed will a factor. But if things go the way they are expected Ruiz will need a hellish training camp.
Wilder won’t have the problems he did with Tyson Fury. “The Bronze Bomber” will have a significant size advantage. And unlike Ortiz is still at a prime fighting age. With a renewed vigor and dynamite in both hands puts Ruiz behind the eight-ball. Ruiz gets clipped at times, and with a homerun hitter, it only takes one time.
Weight wise Ruiz might need to get to a super fast 215-225, if not lower; to offset Wilder’s punch. Wilder will be able to go back to being the bully in the ring otherwise. Ruiz does have 22-knockouts, but they came through work in the fight. Not raw lights out power. If he comes inside Wilder can flatline him. If they fight as distance, it’s Wilder’s fight as well. But he’ll look for a finish no doubt, and not a point fight. So Ruiz will need the patience of Job.
Apparently both Ruiz and Wilder would be up for the scrap finally. But unless he grows another foot somehow, it’ll be a tougher puzzle to figure out than Joshua. It means hold onto your hats because just when it looked like Wilder became a giant question mark; he might be the one laughing last. As long as Fury doesn’t want a trilogy plus one.
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