By Edward Chaykovsky
Andy Ruiz (29-0, 19KOs) admits that he was surprised to hear that he rattled the jaw of Joseph Parker (21-0, 18KOs) so bad in sparring, that the New Zealand fighter was unable to properly eat for three days.
There are ongoing discussions for Parker to face Ruiz on December 27th in New Zealand - the WBO heavyweight crown will be at stake. Tyson Fury recently vacated the belt, with Parker and Ruiz as the two highest ranked contenders.
Parker, who trains overseas in Las Vegas, has sparred with Ruiz in the past. Ruiz lives and trains in Las Vegas.
Two years ago, Parker and Ruiz traded punches in a sparring session. He credits Ruiz with being the biggest puncher that he's ever faced in the gym or in the ring.
Parker said to Sky Sports: "I remember when I sparred him in 2013, he had a lot of power. I was saying to someone else, he was the only one who punched me, the hardest I've ever been punched before and ripped my mouth. I couldn't eat for about three days so I know he's got a lot of power, and he's got a lot of experience. But I know if I have a great training camp, I know I will beat anyone in the world."
Ruiz didn't realize that he hurt Parker that bad, but he does remember catching Parker cold and having him on shaky legs.
"I was kind of surprised [to hear that] because it didn't seem like he was really hurt in the sparring," Ruiz said to the New Zealand Herald. "The first time we sparred there were some good exchanges. He's pretty fast and he likes to throw combinations as well. We were both exchanging and I guess I got there first. I kind of dazed him. I rocked him pretty good.
"In his last fight [against Alexander Dimitrenko] he beat this guy fast. But from his other fights I don't think he looked that good. My pressure and the speed of working the body and head at the same time - I think... I can do what I did in sparring. This is the best fight I could have for the world title."
