Heavyweight Prospect Watch: Andy Ruiz Jnr
Written by Scott Graveson
When we think about the stereotypical Mexican boxer we think about guys in the smaller divisions who go to war time and time again to prove their machismo against equally small but gutsy fighters. In recent years however Mexicans have been getting bigger and the emergence of Saul “Canelo” Alvarez at Light Middleweight and Julio Cesar Chavez Jr at Middleweight sort of proves that Mexicans are no longer fill the stereotype.
Arguably the biggest Mexican, in terms of both potential and actual size is Heavyweight youngster Andy Ruiz Jr (14-0, 8). Stood at 6’2” and looking like Chris Arreola’s baby faced brother Ruiz is easy to cast off as “just another fat Heavyweight” but he is much, much more.
Dubbed “The Destroyer” the chubby 23 year old has shown some of the fastest hands in Heavyweight boxing and throws arguably the sweetest combinations the division has seen in a generation. He has the hand speed and combinations that wouldn’t look out of place on a middleweight and despite his sizeable frame (which often carries in excess of 250lbs) he often appears incredibly difficult to actually catch clean to either the head or body. Not only is he an anomaly in terms of being a Mexican Heavyweight but also being a Heavyweight who moves his head and body with grace.
The former amateur stand out was a multi-time Mexican amateur champion before turning professional in 2009. On his debut Ruiz defeated Miguel Ramirez inside a minute and since then has faced progressively better opponents with his most recent opponent, Homero Fonseca being an incredibly good test and one that Ruiz passed with ease. Ruiz’s next test will be against Jonte Willis (8-3-1, 3) a fighter who gave experienced Russian Denis Bakhtov a really hard night back in April. A win over Willis may not get Ruiz much real credit but it is a tough bout and another good step in the right direction.
Promoted by Top Rank and trained by Miguel Diaz and Richie Sandoval (and formerly by Freddie Roach) the youngster has an excellent team behind him who will be looking for him to become the first ever Mexican born Heavyweight world champion. Whether or not he ever manages to reach so a goal is up for question but with time on his size, a good team and lightning quick hands the world is really his oyster.
Scott is a staff writer at www.boxingprospects.info a site that solely looks at boxing prospects and attempts to give extra exposure to fighters who are currently coming through the ranks.
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