Former unified world heavyweight champion Andy Ruiz will not return to the ring until 2021, according to the fighter himself.

Ruiz (33-2, 22 KOs) began training with new head coach Eddy Reynoso on Wednesday in San Diego, California.

The first and only world heavyweight champion that Mexican boxing has produced, recognized that there are not that many options remaining in this year.

"I'm going to be fighting very soon. We're going to train hard, I'm going to fight next year. I'm going to be focused on what I should do, we still don't know who [I'll be fighting], they tell me there are some opponents," Ruiz said.

Ruiz has not fought since he lost a lopsided twelve round unanimous decision last December to Anthony Joshua in Saudi Arabia.

On Wednesday, Ruiz arrived at the same gym where Saúl “Canelo” Álvarez, Óscar Valdez, Luis Nery, Ryan García, Frank Sánchez and some other fighters train, as they all work with Reynoso.

The idea, said Ruiz, is to start training, lose weight and look for his best form now to return next year, when they already expect people in the arenas.

"I'm going to start with Canelo [today], I'm going to be posting some stuff, it's going to get good, I'm excited," Ruiz added. "I've trained a bit, but I'm going to start [today] with Eddy and everyone there, I can't wait any longer, it's going to be fun. Ryan [Garcia] is there, Oscar Valdez will be there, another fighter who just fought and won [Luis Nery], I'm excited and being part of the Canelo Team," Ruiz said.

Ruiz became IBF, IBO, WBA, WBO world heavyweight champion in June of last year at the legendary Madison Square Garden by knocking out Joshua against all odds.

However, in the rematch he was not as successful and lost, which caused a break with coach Manny Robles. Ruiz's team then approached Reynoso to be the head trainer.

One of the names most discussed to face Ruiz is fellow Mexican heavyweight Chris Arreola.