Andy Ruiz: I Want To Be as Big as Canelo - Or Even Bigger

By Miguel Rivera

Once Andy Ruiz achieved something that many thought would be impossible, he stated to everyone that there is no impossibility and that one can go as far as he dreams. On June 1, Ruiz shocked the entire sport when he dropped Anthony Joshua four times to capture the WBO, IBF, IBO, WBA world titles.

Now regarded by many as the heavyweight king of Mexico, Ruiz made it clear that he wants to become as big, or even bigger, than Mexican superstar Canelo Alvarez.

"I want to be like Canelo or even bigger," Ruiz said to ESPN Deportes. "I want to help people, families, children, it's a big dream to be a world champion and I want to help them and support all the boxers."

Canelo is the current face of Mexican boxing, leading the way for other figures in the country like Juan Francisco Estrada, Miguel Berchelt, Oscar Valdez, Gilberto Ramírez, Emanuel Navarrete, Rey Vargas, Jaime Munguía , Luis Nery and Leo Santa Cruz, and others.

The number of people who approached Ruiz during the nearly 40 hours he spent in Mexico City was overwhelmed fir the new world champion at times, but he accepted that even in his dreams he had not imagined 'Andymania' would erupt after becoming the first Mexican heavyweight world champion.

"Yes (it's 'Andymanía'), it feels very good, I'm proud of all the fans that support me, they want a picture, they're playing with me, they're grabbing me by the shirt, it's a source of pride, that's why I wanted to win this fight to be something big," said Ruiz.

"It was an honor to be in all the historical parts [of Mexico], going with the president was, I can say it was wonderful, I never thought I would be there with him or win the belts, but thank God that I achieved my dreams and I am the first Mexican champion of heavyweights.

Andy's trainer, Manny Robles, was grateful for the love that everyone in Mexico showed the champion and his team, which renewed his energy to try to repeat the dose to Anthony Joshua in the rematch, which is being targeted for the fall.

"It was incredible, the truth is that we did not expect this, the change has been radical and we are extremely grateful to the people of Mexico," said Robles.