Andy Ruiz on preparing for Jarrell Miller, aiming to become a two-time champ

Andy Ruiz Jr. (35-2, 22 KOs) will return from a nearly two-year hiatus to face Jarrell Miller (26-1-1, 22 KOs) on Aug. 3 on the undercard of Riyadh Season’s debut event in the United States at the BMO Stadium in Los Angeles. The event will be distributed on DAZN, ESPN and PPV.com.

BoxingScene recently met with “The Destroyer” Ruiz, 34, during a workout in Los Angeles to catch up with the former unified heavyweight champion, who had plenty to say on a variety of subjects.

On the last two years away from boxing …

I liked taking time off [to stay fresh], even though I didn’t want to. I think the break helped, especially while other fighters were eliminating each other. I feel like I am coming back at a good time. Just because I haven’t fought doesn’t mean I haven’t been in the gym.

I appreciate all of the haters who talk shit about me. They motivate me and make me better. I have to keep pushing. It’s me versus me. Sometimes we beat ourselves. I didn’t fight and train right [before]. But guess what? I learned so much from the ups and downs of life. I’m taking it seriously again to continue the mission and become a two-time heavyweight champion.

[If I could redo one thing, it would be] the peace at home. It’s really important to be focused, spiritually and mentally ready to fight. I’ve been chilling, trying to meditate, focusing on the right things and getting myself back together. All of us fighters have our ups and downs and our rollercoasters, but we have to find ourselves and continue the mission. That’s the reason we fight. I fight for my kids and becoming a two-time heavyweight champion of the world. I fight so my kids don’t have to fight. This sport is ugly. It’s hard. I give God the glory and victory for all of my fights. I’m back better, stronger, motivated and hungry. 

I want to train hard and stay busy. I don’t want to fight and then you guys don’t see me for two years and say, “What happened to Andy?” I want to be here for the long haul. 

It’s an open division right now. There are so many heavyweights popping up left and right. But the main guy is Jarell Miller right now. I have to pass this test and become victorious.

On facing Jarrell Miller …

I never predict knockouts, but I am predicting that I will get the victory. I’m focused. I am not underestimating anybody. I am pretty sure he is going to come in lighter than the 333 pounds he weighed in his last fight against Daniel Dubois. He loves eating burgers like me. He’s going to want to prove himself after his loss. He’s going to come in stronger, and more motivated. That’s why I am training hard and not thinking he’s going to look the same as he fought Dubois, when he got tired fast. I thought he was going to win. I was in his corner, cheering for him. I wanted him to win. But Dubois did his thing. It just wasn’t his night, but I think weight was a big factor.

He’s big, strong and comes in with heavy punches, but I think my explosiveness, combinations and speed will for sure make me win this fight.

On how Miller changed his life with a failed PED test that opened doors to fighting Anthony Joshua as a replacement opponent in 2019 and becoming heavyweight champion …

I’ve told him, “Dude, without you, none of this would have happened.” Salute to Miller for giving me the opportunity. It’s sad that it happened, but people make mistakes and they learn from them. It was just my time to shine.

I always salute him – there is nothing bad to say about him. We’re good friends outside of the ring but inside the ring, it’s a whole different thing. We’re going to put on that switch because we both want to become world champions.

On Miller’s PED history … 

No, [I’m not worried about Miller’s PED history], because we have VADA drug testing for this fight and have been getting tested throughout camp. I don’t think PEDs will make a difference in fighting me. It sucks when people do it. Somebody can get hurt.

On the weight he plans on making to fight Miller …

I plan on being the same weight, about 268 pounds, for Miller just like I was when I first fought Anthony Joshua in 2019. I don’t want to lose too much weight because I know he’s going to be over 300 pounds. I’ve listened to criticism before in the past and tried to lose weight and look good. But God made me a chubby, chiseled and strong champion. Why change it, if it worked the first time? We’re not focused on weight but on perfecting the craft instead. I will be strong and explosive. We’ve been training hard. 

On a trilogy fight with Joshua … 

Of course I want the third fight with Joshua. That’s why I am here and back in action. I have to climb the ladder again and earn my shot. I’m humble to say that I have to get fights and win. He’s done a really good job [resurrecting his career]. That just shows you that anybody can come back. Not only proving to the people, but to himself, and that’s exactly what I am doing. He hits pretty hard. He’s the hardest puncher I’ve faced.

On potentially fighting Oleksandr Usyk …

I met him recently in Las Vegas and told him it would be amazing if we fought. I’m going for Usyk in his rematch versus Tyson Fury. I’m sure he’ll get it.

On potentially fighting Tyson Fury …

I don’t know [if I’ll get the fight]. He’s already gone through a lot of wars. He said he could beat me with one hand tied behind his back. Maybe this will be his last fight, in December against Usyk.

On missing out on fighting Deontay Wilder last year … 

Aw man. It is [gone]. Things happen for a reason. We were going through negotiations, but I ended up needing shoulder surgery. What if I took the fight and got hurt and didn’t perform? I’m actually happy. Everything is in God’s timing. 

On welcoming David Benavidez to the heavyweight division one day … 

I think David can do anything because he is big and strong. He’s probably walking around at 200 pounds. It just takes time. He’s super-young and a talented kid. If he moves up to heavyweight, hopefully, he gives me the opportunity to fight, too. I want to see Benavidez fight [Saul] “Canelo” Alvarez. Benavidez deserves a shot. But like Canelo says, he can do whatever he wants and fight whoever he wants and it’s just about if he wants to please the public. 

On the next opponent Ruiz could likely face if he beats Miller … 

God willing, we get Miller out of the way. There are so many great fighters out there that can bring you up in the rankings. It’s just about getting the opportunity. It’s just timing. But I want the rematch against Joseph Parker. I knew I could have done better the first time when I fought him in New Zealand [in 2016 for the vacant WBO title]. I feel like I needed more support [during training camp]. But I learned a lot from the experience.

Manouk Akopyan is a sports journalist, writer and broadcast reporter. He’s also a member of the Boxing Writers Association of America and the MMA Journalists Association. He can be reached on X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, LinkedIn and YouTube at @ManoukAkopyan, through email at manouk[dot]akopyan[at]gmail.com or via www.ManoukAkopyan.com.