From Here On Out, Less Is More For Andy Ruiz Jr.

By Jake Donovan

Andy Ruiz Jr. has learned the hard way that “less is more” should apply to his conditioning, and not the manner in which he approaches it. He proved a wise student during Friday’s weigh-in, showing up at a lean 247 ¾ lb – the second lightest weight of his six-plus year career – for Saturday’s headliner versus Joell Godfrey at Tachi Palace Resort & Casino in Lemoore, California.

“I feel a lot better,” Ruiz (24-0, 17KOs) told BoxingScene.com of his new look. “My breathing is a lot better. I’ve been eating good, eating healthy. No more “dollar menu” fast food for me. I feel good right now, and it makes me want to lose even more weight. It motivates me a lot.”

The unbeaten heavyweight from Mexico was nearly 300 lbs. when he first turned pro, steadily dropping weight as his career progressed. Once his handlers saw a trend in the opposite direction, it was collectively agreed upon by the team to slam the brakes and have a coming-to-Jesus moment with the unbeaten heavyweight.

With that came a nine-month forced layoff following his unanimous decision win over former champ Sergei Liakhovich last December. An injury attributed to his ring absence, but the writing was on the wall that his career would not progress unless he could prove that he’s all the way committed.

“Andy was getting negligent in his training, but he was winning so it became tolerable to him,” “Big” Jeff Grmoja, Ruiz’ no-nonsense trainer admits of what was going wrong. “You win and you start believing your own press clippings and believe you can just show up on fight night.

“Bob Arum (Ruiz’ promoter) and I sat him down, told him we had big plans in store, but that it was on hold that he could show us he was serious about his career.” 

The 26-year old heavyweight didn’t dare call their bluff. Once fully healed, it was straight to the gym. With each passing session, the fat began to melt off before transitioning to muscle. 

“He’s fallen on the sword and realized his mistakes,” notes Grmoja. “It’s our goal to turn him into the best heavyweight in the world. He’s always had the talent; now he has the discipline.” 

Ruiz showed up at Friday’s weigh-in exactly 20 lbs. lighter than his last fight – training for a fight that wasn’t even on the radar a month ago, nor is it even against his originally scheduled opponent.

The date was originally reserved for rising prospect Jose Ramirez, a big attraction in the Northern California region but who was forced to withdraw due to injury. Ruiz was brought in as a replacement, the perfect opportunity to show off his new physique and also hit the ground running.

Original plans called for Devin Vargas to face Ruiz, but the former U.S. Olympian pulled out of the fight late in fight week. Godfrey was brought in on very late notice, but all that matters to Ruiz is that he gets to stay active in and out of the ring.

With a win on Saturday, plans call for an immediate return to the ring in October. The heavyweight (though no longer an emphasis on “heavy”) will grace the undercard of unbeaten super lightweight Terence Crawford in his October 24 homecoming bout versus Dierry Jean in Omaha, Nebraska.

“I want to get back in the game,” said Ruiz, who at present moment remains the best hope of becoming the first-ever fighter from Mexico to one day win a heavyweight championship. “I want to fight as often as possible. After being out for nine months, I’ve had enough vacation. 

“I have to hit it hard. I don’t care about downtime after the fight. It’s back to the gym. I’m happy with my weight and condition for (tonight), but will be in even better shape for my next fight and everyone after that.”