Holy hell. I just saw Andy Ruiz Jr.'s latest mirror selfie and I had to do a double-take.
This is the same guy who looked like he'd been living off tacos and beer for six months straight when he absolutely demolished Anthony Joshua back in 2019. Remember that night at Madison Square Garden? I was there, and nobody—and I mean NOBODY—saw that coming. The dude was carrying around 19 stone of what looked like pure dad bod energy, then proceeded to drop AJ four times in seven rounds. Boxing is weird, man.
When Partying Nearly Killed a Career
But here's where it gets messy. After becoming the first Mexican-born heavyweight champ, Ruiz did what any normal human would do—he celebrated. Hard. For three months straight, apparently.
By the time their rematch rolled around in Saudi Arabia that December, Andy had ballooned to over 20 stone. Twenty. Stone. I remember watching him walk to the ring thinking, "This guy looks like he ate the version of himself that beat Joshua." And surprise, surprise—he got outboxed for twelve rounds and lost his belts.
His post-fight interview was brutal to watch. "I don't want to say the three months of partying didn't affect me... but to tell you the truth, it kind of did." At least he owned it. Most fighters would've blamed their trainer, the altitude, or the color of their shorts.
The Comeback That Nobody's Talking About
Fast forward to now, and Ruiz looks like a completely different human being.
The selfie he posted Wednesday shows a guy whose shorts are literally falling off because he's dropped so much weight. His caption? "The diet is hard. Slowly but surely. Work in progress." Simple. Honest. No BS motivational quotes or fake humility.
And get this—he's planning to eat nothing but protein for the next three weeks before even starting fight camp. That's some serious commitment from someone who admitted partying "got the best of me."
Three Fights in Four Years? Really?
Here's what's driving me crazy though. Since those back-to-back Joshua fights, Ruiz has only stepped in the ring THREE times in four years. Three! His last fight was a draw against Jarrell Miller last August, and before that... well, let's just say he wasn't exactly staying busy.
Poor guy went from being heavyweight champion of the world to fighting once a year. That's not a career, that's a hobby.
Why This Actually Matters
Look, I've seen plenty of fighters yo-yo with their weight. But there's something different about watching Ruiz transform himself at 35 years old. Most guys his age are thinking about retirement, not complete physical overhauls.
The heavyweight division needs characters like Andy Ruiz Jr. Not just because he can fight (and trust me, he can), but because he's real. He doesn't pretend to be something he's not. He screwed up, admitted it, and now he's doing something about it.
Based on his recent social media activity, it looks like his ring hiatus is about to end. And honestly? I'm here for it. A motivated, in-shape Andy Ruiz Jr. is a problem for anyone in the heavyweight division.
Even Anthony Joshua.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I focus on as a beginner in boxing?
As a beginner, your focus should be on learning proper form and technique. The basics include learning how to punch, building a strong defence, improving footwork, and improving conditioning. Start slow, focus on technique rather than power, and consult a coach with experience.
How long will it take me to be proficient at boxing?
The time taken to become proficient in Boxing can vary widely between individuals. It depends on factors like natural ability and consistency in training. In general, regular training will result in significant improvement of your basic skills.
How do I select the correct size and type boxing gloves?
Size and type of gloves you choose will depend on the activities you are doing (e.g. heavy bag work or sparring). Gloves can be measured in ounces. Many beginners start off with lighter gloves, such as 12oz. or 14oz. for training. As they progress into sparring, heavier gloves are used.
What are the common mistakes new boxers make?
Overextending the punches is a common mistake. Other mistakes include dropping the hands, not recognizing defense, holding your breath, ignoring footwork and focusing on power instead of technique. A qualified coach can help you identify and correct these errors early on to prevent them from becoming habits.
Do beginners need to spar in boxing?
For beginners, sparring isn't necessary. You should consider it only after you have established a strong foundation in the fundamentals and reached a high level of fitness. Under the guidance of a coach, and using protective equipment to ensure safety, it's important to spar.
Can boxing improve mental well-being?
Boxing can significantly improve mental health by reducing stress, enhancing mood, boosting self-esteem, providing a sense of accomplishment, and promoting discipline. The mental focus needed during training can act as a kind of meditation. This helps to improve your concentration and clarity.
What are the basic boxing punches?
The basic boxing punches are the jab and cross. A quick, straight strike is delivered with the front hand.
Statistics
- Nearly 95% of boxing trainers agree that mental conditioning is just as important as physical training for beginners in the sport.
- Studies show that proper hand wrapping can reduce the chance of hand and wrist injuries by as much as 40%.
- Approximately 50% of beginner boxers drop out within the first six months, highlighting the importance of sustaining motivation and setting realistic goals.
- Cardiovascular fitness improvements can be seen after just 12 weeks of consistent boxing training.
- It is estimated that 60% of beginner boxers do not use the correct size gloves, which can increase the risk of injury.
- Despite the stereotype that boxing is a young person's sport, approximately 20% of all beginners are over the age of 40.
- An analysis of boxing workouts demonstrates that participants can maintain a heart rate at 75-85% of their maximum, which is the optimal range for cardiovascular training.
- On average, beginner boxers improve their punching power by 10%-20% after six months of consistent training.
- Around 90% of boxers suffer a minor injury over the course of a year, with only 10-15% experiencing a moderate to severe injury.
- On average, beginners who undergo proper boxing training can expect to burn anywhere from 300 to 500 calories per hour.
External Links
How To
How to Stand in the Correct Boxing Stance
Proper stance is essential to boxing. Stand with feet shoulder-widths apart, and the non-dominant side facing forward. Spread your weight equally and angle your foot back at 45°. To protect your chin and knees, you can bend your legs slightly, tuck the elbows into your body and raise your gloves. You can remain agile by standing on your toes. Your body must be relaxed but also ready to move quickly, and to throw punches.
Did you miss our previous article...
https://sportingexcitement.com/boxing/marshalls-back-from-her-mma-adventure-and-she-wants-her-belt
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