Andy Ruiz is aware of what the air is like on the high of the mountain. He additionally is aware of how damning the view may be from the underside.
Since grabbing three of the 4 main titles within the heavyweight division in 2019 towards Anthony Joshua, Ruiz has been unable to search out any consistency. With solely two fights in 5 years, the 34-year-old is hoping to search out a bit rhythm when he takes on Jarrell Miller on August third.
Trying previous his good buddy and former sparring companion wouldn’t be sagacious. So, with no room for error, Ruiz (35-2, 22 KOs) is inserting all of his give attention to downing the previous highly-ranked contender. If he does, followers received’t have to play the guessing recreation by way of who he needs subsequent.
“God keen we get Miller out of the best way,” Ruiz advised a bunch of reporters. “There’s so many fighters on the market however I positively wish to struggle Joseph Parker and get the rematch with him.”
Again in 2016, an undefeated Ruiz climbed into the ring towards Parker with the vacant WBO title up for grabs. With an opportunity to develop into a world champion in his arms, Ruiz was left shellshocked when the three judges scoring their showdown gave the slightest edge to Parker.
Ultimately, Parker (35-3, 23 KOs) would lose his title to Anthony Joshua, whereas Dillian Whyte and Joe Joyce additionally took their pound of flesh. However simply when Parker and his profession had been left for useless, he turned issues round.
Now, with a five-fight win streak, together with back-to-back victories over Deontay Wilder and Zhilei Zhang, Parker is likely one of the hotter names within the division.
Though he’s moved on, Ruiz, at instances, sulks despondently over what came about almost a decade in the past. The ball isn’t in his court docket but when Parker had been keen to throw him a lifeline, Ruiz believes the top consequence can be completely different.
“I do know I might have executed higher. God keen, he offers me the chance.”
