Heavyweight champ 'Fat Andy' Ruiz has a plan to slim down for rematch with AJ

When Andy Ruiz Jr. steps into the boxing ring for his inevitable rematch against Anthony Joshua, fans of the famously flabby boxer might be disappointed. “I want to be more toned,’’ said Ruiz, who became the first Mexican heavyweight champion when he knocked out Joshua on June 1 in New York. “Just shock the world even more, you know? I’ll have more ability, more speed, more power if I turn the little flab I have into muscle. Andy Ruiz, weighing in at 261 pounds, celebrates beating Anthony Joshua in a heavyweight title match. Andy Ruiz, weighing in at 261 pounds, celebrates beating Anthony Joshua in a heavyweight title match. (Photo: Frank Franklin II, AP) “I’m not trying to be with six-pack abs and big muscles and all that. None of that, you know. But just look a little different and more lean.’’ Negotiations for the rematch against Joshua continue, and Ruiz said the hangup is where to stage the fight. But whether it’s held in London, New York or another locale, Ruiz said, his body won’t be jiggling like it used to. Ruiz, who has been referred to as "Fat Andy'' and "Fat Boy,'' said he hasn’t eaten a Snickers bar since the night of his historic victory. (His father used to feed Ruiz Snickers bars between rounds, and Ruiz said he used to eat three to four a week.) And the other day, during a phone interview with USA TODAY Sports, Ruiz noted he was eating a club sandwich and chicken noodle soup. “That’s something I’m working on now, choosing the right foods,’’ Ruiz said. “If not, I would be eating a three-patty hamburger with bacon and all kinds of cheese. “People need to understand that I came this far being chubby and all that. Imagine how far I could go actually being in good shape and looking good. “It’s going to work in my advantage. I know it’s going to work. I’m going to feel a lot better and have more ability.’’ When Ruiz fought the sculpted Joshua at Madison Square Garden, he weighed 267 pounds. https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/boxing/2019/07/29/boxing-heavyweight-champ-fat-andy-ruiz-has-plan-slim-down/1862703001/

Comments (10)

He should stay the same, at least for this fight. He's been fat his whole career, and he was always good. Why change it up? Go ahead and eat that triple burger with bacon, fam. Go into the fight happy instead of craving some Mcdonald's fries.

6y ago

4truth

Good for Ruiz. It can only make him better. Maybe but he might lose some power or even worse, punch resistance.

6y ago

boliodogs

Good for Ruiz. It can only make him better.

6y ago

Blond_Beast

Obviously he cares and would like to live a healthier lifestyle. Nothing wrong with that. I wish him the best I agree. He was sucking in his gut at the weigh in. I know it was short notice but I still don’t know if I believe him when he said he came in heavy on purpose. “In case he leaned on me” is just an old boxing excuse/joke. I hope he comes in lighter and stronger than ever. But if he’s heavier or lighter and loses that will be a focus point. I just want him to be at his best, just like AJ.

6y ago

Real_King_Kong

He seems to be bothered by his appearance. He shouldn’t be. He’s the heavyweight champion of the world who cares what he looks like. He probably took a lot of heat on social media etc after becoming champion. When he was a relative unknown, there was probably a whole lot less people making fun of his physique. Being constantly barraged with negative comments would get to anyone at some point.

6y ago

mjbjst

Losing and getting dropped before Joshua made the mistake of trading to finish him off is Ruiz dominating? :nonono: Dropped four times and lost almost every round including the round he dropped ruiz

6y ago

mjbjst

The most shocking thing about the article is that he thinks he only has a little flab. If he tries to lose that weight before the Joshua fight it will be a big mistake. Losing weight fast loses a lot of muscle along with it. From the way ruiz dominated their last fight he could get an arm removed and still defend his titles

6y ago

Rip_Chudd

He seems to be bothered by his appearance. He shouldn’t be. He’s the heavyweight champion of the world who cares what he looks like. Obviously he cares and would like to live a healthier lifestyle. Nothing wrong with that. I wish him the best

6y ago

4truth

Your heart is in the right place Andy but get a nutritionist for pity’s sake. A club sandwich and chicken noodle soup isn’t a big step up.

6y ago

Wacho

He seems to be bothered by his appearance. He shouldn’t be. He’s the heavyweight champion of the world who cares what he looks like.

6y ago