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Andy Ruiz on Preparing for Jarrell Miller, Who Wants to Become a Two-Time Champion

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

BoxingScene recently caught up with the 34-year-old “Destroyer” Ruiz while training in Los Angeles to chat with the former heavyweight champion, who had plenty to say on a variety of topics.

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 when other fighters were eliminating each other. I feel like I’m 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 the haters who talk bad about me. They motivate me and make me better. I have to try. It’s me vs. me. Sometimes we beat ourselves. I didn’t fight and train properly [before]. But you know what? I’ve learned so much from the ups and downs of life. I’m taking it seriously again, continuing my mission to become a two-time heavyweight champion.

[If I could redo one thing, it would be] peace at home. It’s really vital to be focused, spiritually and mentally ready for the fight. I chilled out, tried to meditate, focused on the right things and got my act together. All fighters have their ups and downs and their roller coasters, but we have to find ourselves and continue the mission. That’s why we fight. I fight for my kids and to become a two-time heavyweight world champion. I fight so my kids don’t have to fight. This sport is ugly. It’s tough. I give God the glory and the victory for all my fights. I came back better, stronger, motivated and hungry.

I want to train strenuous and stay busy. I don’t want to fight and then you won’t see me for two years and say, “What happened to Andy?” I want to stay here for a long time.

It’s an open division now. There are so many heavyweights coming in left and right. But the main guy right now is Jarell Miller. I have to pass that test and get the win.

Against Jarrell Miller…

I never predict knockouts, but I predict I’ll win. I’m focused. I don’t take anyone lightly. I’m pretty sure he’ll come in lighter than the 333 pounds he weighed in his last fight with Daniel Dubois. He loves eating burgers, just like me. He’ll want to prove himself after his loss. He’ll be stronger and more motivated. That’s why I’m training strenuous and I don’t think he’ll look the same as he did in the Dubois fight, when he got tired so quickly. I thought he’d win. I was in his corner, rooting for him. I wanted him to win. But Dubois did his thing. It just wasn’t his night, but I think the weight had a gigantic impact.

He is gigantic, mighty and delivers powerful punches, but I think my dynamics, combinations and speed will definitely lend a hand me win this fight.

On how Miller turned his life around after failing a drug test, which opened the door for him to fight Anthony Joshua in 2019 as a replacement opponent and win the heavyweight title…

I told him, “Man, without you none of this would have happened.” Shout out to Miller for giving me a chance. Gloomy it happened, but people make mistakes and learn from them. It was just my time to shine.

I always salute him – there’s nothing bad to say about him. Outside the ring we’re good friends, but inside the ring it’s a whole different thing. We’ll turn on that switch because we both want to be world champions.

On Miller’s history with performance-enhancing drugs…

NO, [I’m not worried about Miller’s PED history]because we have VADA drug testing for this fight and we’ve been testing throughout camp. I don’t think PEDs will matter in a fight with me. It sucks when people do that. Someone could get hurt.

On the weight he plans to achieve in the fight with Miller…

I plan to weigh the same, around 268 pounds, for Miller as I did when I first fought Anthony Joshua in 2019. I don’t want to lose too much weight because I know he’ll be over 300 pounds. I’ve listened to the criticism before and tried to lose weight and look good. But God made me a chubby, chiseled, mighty champion. Why change it if it worked the first time? We’re not focusing on weight, we’re focusing on improving our skills. I’ll be mighty and explosive. We’ve trained strenuous.

In the trilogy fight with Joshua…

Of course I want a third fight with Joshua. That’s why I’m here and I’m back in action. I have to climb the ranks again and earn my chance. I’ll say with humility that I have to fight and win. He did a really good job [resurrecting his career]. It shows that anyone can come back. Not only to prove it to people, but to myself, which is what I’m doing. He hits really strenuous. He’s the hardest puncher I’ve ever faced.

On a potential fight with Oleksandr Usyk…

I met him recently in Las Vegas and told him it would be great if we fought. I’m betting on Usyk in his rematch with Tyson Fury. I’m sure he can do it.

On a potential fight with Tyson Fury…

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

On him not getting to fight Deontay Wilder last year…

Oh man. This is [gone]Everything happens for a reason. We were negotiatingbut ultimately I needed shoulder surgery. What if I go into the fight, get hurt and don’t play? I’m cheerful. It’s all in God’s time.

On welcoming David Benavidez to the heavyweight division one day…

I think David can do anything because he’s gigantic and mighty. He probably walks around weighing 200 pounds. It just takes time. He’s super teenage and talented. If he moves up to heavyweightI hope he gives me a chance to fight too. I want to see Benavidez fight [Saul] “Canelo” Alvarez. Benavidez deserves a chance. But as Canelo says, he can do whatever he wants and fight whoever he wants, and it’s just a matter of whether he wants to please the crowd.

If Ruiz defeats Miller, who else could he face next…

God willing, we’ll get rid of Miller. There are so many great fighters who can move you up the rankings. It’s just about the chance. It’s just about the timing. But I want a rematch with Joseph Parker. I knew I could have done better the first time I fought him in Modern Zealand. [in 2016 for the vacant WBO title]I feel like I needed more support [during training camp]. But I learned a lot from this experience.

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The fight between Alexis Rocha and Raul Curiel will take place on December 14 at the Toyota Arena

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Rocha vs Curiel

In a clash of forces between two world title contenders, NABO welterweight titleholder Alexis “Lex” Rocha (25-2-0, 16 KO) will put his skills to the test against undefeated knockout and NABF welterweight titleholder Raul “El Cugar “. Curiel (15-0, 13 KO).

The 10-round main event will take place on Saturday, December 14, live from the Toyota Arena in Ontario, California, and will be broadcast worldwide on DAZN.

“‘The best versus the best’ is Golden Boy’s mantra and that’s what fans will see as Rocha and Curiel take on everything that’s on the table,” said President and CEO Oscar De La Hoya. “Rocha is a veteran whose goal is to win the world title, Curiel is an undefeated blue-chip prospect with huge potential. It’s really a 50/50 fight and I’m looking forward to it.”

Tickets for the Rocha vs. match Curiel will go on sale on Friday, October 11 at 10 a.m. PT and will be priced at $100, $75, $50 and $25, excluding applicable service fees. A confined number of Golden Boy VIP Experience tickets will also be available, including exclusive merchandise and fight night upgrades. Standard and VIP tickets are available at Ticketmaster.com, Toyota-arena.com, Goldenboy.com or at the Toyota Arena box office from Monday to Friday from 12:00 to 16:00

“I’ve seen Raul Curiel all these years and he never once mentioned my name,” Alexis Rocha said. “After my last defeat, he suddenly became interested in fighting me. If he thinks I’ve lost a step or somehow had an simple fight, he’s in for a rude awakening. I can’t wait to make a statement and show the world what I’m capable of.”

Santa Ana, California Rep. Alexis “Lex” Rocha comes from a struggling family. The younger brother of Ronny Rios, he was the youngest fighter to win a gold medal at the Junior Olympics at the age of 14 in 2012 and caught the attention of the boxing world by becoming a six-time national champion during his amateur career. Rocha signed with Golden Boy in January 2016 and made his professional debut in March 2016, defeating Jordan Rosario at the Belasco Theater in Los Angeles. Since then, he has amassed an enviable record of powerful knockouts over top contenders and plans to return to world title contention, with his last fight being a victory over undefeated Santiago Dominguez on July 19 last year.

“The fans can expect a war,” said Raul Curiel. “I’m going to prepare well to put on a great show. This will be the most essential fight of my career so far. I know Alexis is a great fighter, a good opponent and will also show up prepared. My focus is on Alexis and if I can beat him, I know it will give me a chance to fight for the world championship.

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George Kambosos moves up to 140, adds Eddie Hearn to team

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George Kambosos beats Teofimo

Former unified lightweight champion George Kambosos approached promoter Eddie Hearn asking for more massive fights.

Kambosos has signed a co-promotional deal with Eddie Hearn, under which the Greek-Australian slugger will continue his association with DiBella Entertainment Inc. and his own company, Ferocious Promotions.

The 21-3 star will move up to the super lightweight division of Matchroom Boxing’s lively division. He aims to become a two-weight world champion in early 2025, and as part of the deal, a title fight is promised as long as he continues to win.

Since his stunning victory over Teofimo Lopez, Kambosos has never shied away from competing against the best. Those three losses on his resume came to Devin Haney [twice] and Vasily Lomachenko, all at home and all for world titles.

The 31-year-old is now set to face compatriot Liam Paro after defending his IBF title against Richardson Hitchins in December in Puerto Rico.

“I am thrilled to be working with Matchroom Boxing. I am excited to have signed a three-way promotional cooperation agreement with my long-time promoter DiBella Entertainment Inc. and Ferocious Promotions,” Kambosos said.

“I made great success and history when I moved up the Matchroom shows by winning my UK elimination fight against Lee Selby. The most noteworthy and unforgettable is my victory against Teofimo at Madison Square Garden in Up-to-date York to become the 135-pound world champion.

“I am officially announcing that I will be moving up to 140 pounds and signing with Matchroom will ensure my continued success and the legacy I want to leave in the sport of boxing.”

Hearn, who adds an experienced campaigner to his stable, added: “I am delighted to welcome George to the team. George’s victory over Teofimo tore up the script and showed that George was the man for the massive time. He has proven to be a huge attraction in Australia and one of the real driving forces behind the rapid growth of boxing Down Under.

“The 140-pound division is full of massive names and massive potential fights. Adding George to the mix only elevates the level, and a possible fight with Liam Paro is a truly appetizing prospect. If Liam manages to win in a great fight against Richardson on December 7th [the fight could be on].

Lou DiBella, who has worked with Kambosos for years, said: “I’m glad I was able to make a deal with my antique buddy Eddie to work with George Kambosos Jr. and Ferocious Promotions.

“Throughout his career, George has been a fighter who has never shied away from a challenge, and now he wants to test himself against top junior welterweights.

Matchroom works with top 140-pounders, including George’s compatriot Liam Paro, and, like DiBella Entertainment, is heavily invested in Australia.

“It’s a natural partnership,” added the Up-to-date Yorker.

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Mike Tyson had absolutely no chance of knocking out Jake Paul

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Mike Tyson comeback black

One of the hottest topics surrounding Mike Tyson’s return at the age of 58 was the possibility of the boxing legend scoring a knockout of Jake Paul.

WBN has weighed in on this topic several times, questioning the validity of five-second training clips that revealed nothing about Tyson’s abilities at this overdue age. One of the most intriguing observations during the preparations was the opinion of UFC commentator Daniel Cormier.

Speaking on his show “Funky and the Champ,” Cormier reflected on Tyson’s social media videos and offered an informed opinion on the meaning of the clips.

“I understand that [he is in amazing shape at 58]and I understand what he is saying [he feels as though he can compete]– Cormier said. “And I agree that when he hits the pads with Rafael Cordeiro, it looks like there’s still something left in him.

“But then I watch Jake Paul fight Mike Perry. I saw Jake Paul get overwhelmed to the point where he started to feel uncomfortable. It looked like Mike Perry had a chance. But Jake has a reserve tank he can go to and benefit from because he’s 28 years ancient. Then he comes back and finally finishes Mike Perry.

“At the beginning of the fight, Mike Perry gets beaten up and dropped. He looks trained and unmatched. This worries me because what if it looks like a 58-year-old man fighting a 28-year-old man while Mike can’t employ the backup tank to stay and compete with this newborn kid? I think it’s a failure for Jake Paul because if you beat Mike Tyson, everyone will love him.

He added: “What if Mike knocks him out? It’s over. Everything is ready. This would be the backfire of all time. If he gets knocked out, nothing like that has ever happened in the history of the sport.”

Unfortunately for Tyson, this revenge backfired spectacularly, as the former heavyweight champion’s return was the only event that bombed. Tyson had nothing left twenty years after he had nothing left in his tank and no desire to box in his mind.

Paul parlayed this into a money-making scheme that would forever be a success for him and his company, but would be poorly received by the die-hard boxing fraternity.

Cormier’s words resonate, especially after what happened in the ring when Mike Tyson struggled to shift into first gear, warning former fighters thinking about returning after 50.

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