Andy Ruiz Returns To Big Bear in January, Says Abel Sanchez

By Steve Kim

On December 10th in Auckland, New Zealand heavyweight Andy Ruiz lost a razor thin decision to Joseph Parker for the vacant WBO title. For this fight, Ruiz was under the tutelage of Abel Sanchez and trained at his Summit Gym in Big Bear, California.

Last week Ruiz and Sanchez met to discuss the future.

"It went real well, we got our finances taken care off today," Sanchez told BoxingsSene.com on Thursday. "He comes in and says,'I'll see you in the middle of the next month.' So if he comes in the middle of the month, the second part of the month, that's OK with me. We're going to get started, he understands he's got to lose some more weight, get in better shape and be more appealing to the public."

For the fight against Parker, the Mexican-American heavyweight scaled in at 255.75 pounds. Sanchez believed he needed a few more weeks to get him in optimum condition. The trainer hopes that this loss is a valuable lesson for Ruiz, who's record now stands at 29-1 (19 KO's).

"I think that before the fight he was undefeated and he was a top-rated contender and he got that title shot because he was a contender and no matter what he looked like he was going to get a shot. He understands that but now that he's got this loss on his record he understands now that there's no reason for him - unless he builds himself back up - for them to give him a title shot unless he looks more like prototypical heavyweight," said Sanchez.

According to him, Ruiz's performance - despite the verdict - was well-received by those in charge.

"Bob (Arum) was on the plane when we came back from New Zealand and both Bob and Lovee came back and we're very proud of him and they said - "We're going to keep you busy and get you right back in there and get you another title shot, soon.'"

Steve Kim is the news editor for BoxingScene.com.