The return of former world heavyweight champion Andy Ruiz is budgeted for a date in May or June, according to sources close to the boxer who spoke to ESPN Deportes.

According to the sources, Ruiz could return to the gym in the month of February or March with a view to returning to the ring in the second half of May or even June.

Ruiz is currently spend time with his family and staying away from the limelight.

In June 2019, Ruiz became an overnight sensation when he shocked the entire boxing world with a seventh round stoppage of heavily favored Anthony Joshua to capture the WBO, IBF, WBA, IBO heavyweight titles at Madison Square Garden in New York City.

Ruiz accepted that fight on late notice after the original opponent, Jarrell Miller, was pulled from the bout after testing positive for banned substances.

But the newly found celebrity status was overwhelming for Ruiz, who spent two months partying in celebration - instead of training.

He arrived at training camp late, and was overweight for his December rematch with Joshua.

Ruiz was unable to put his punches together, he was very sluggish with his movements, and all of that allowed Joshua to easily outbox him for a lopsided twelve round decision win.

There are numerous options for Ruiz, within the Premier Boxing Champions stables and beyond. In his return, he could face Dominic Breazeale, Gerald Washington, Adam Kownacki, or several others.

Promoter Eddie Hearn is hoping to get Ruiz in the ring with WBC mandatory challenger Dillian Whyte.

Ruiz is 30 years old and has a 33-2 professional record with 22 knockouts. Besides the defeat to Joshua, the Mexican boxer lost a very close twelve round decision to former WBO world champion Joseph Parker in 2016.