Andy Ruiz Jnr, the only beater of the Unified heavyweight champion of the world Anthony Oluwafemi Olasen Joshua is set to face American heavyweight Chris Arreola (38-6-1, 33KOs) this Saturday, 1st May at the Dignity Health Sports Park, Carson, California, USA.
The former unified heavyweight champion shocked the whole world after he knocked out the then unbeaten champion Anthony Joshua at the Madison Square Garden in New York 2 years ago to win his first heavyweight title after failing to win the WBO title where he lost to Joseph Parker back in 2016.
The Carlifornia born couldn’t hold the titles for long after he lost them in the rematch with Joshua just 6 months on the throne via a unanimous decision.
Andy ‘Destroyer’ Jr (33-2, 22KOs) has since not had any fight and must win big this Saturday to make an announcement to the heavyweight title holders. Haven said that, his opponent (Chris Arreola) on the night wont be an easy walkover for him.
“Chris is a strong man. He comes forward, he takes punches, and he gives punches. My speed and the combinations that I’ve been working on in the gym will throw him off a little bit.
“It’s going to be an all-action fight. We both came here to win. God willing, we get this victory, and all the sacrifices we gave will pay off. I have to do my job.
“I want the heavyweight title even more now. It’s because of the way I lost. I imagine that if I had been in this shape, I would have won the rematch with Joshua. Things happen for a reason, and I’m just happy that I have the mindset that I have now.
“After my defeat against Joshua, I know that I have to prove to a lot of people, and also to myself, that all my dedication will pay off in the ring.
I know Chris Arreola is here to knock my head off, just like I’m trying to do to him. Once we’re inside that ring, the switch will be on because we’re both trying to provide for our family.” Andy Ruiz Jr in a final press last night.
Chris ‘The Nightmare’ Arreola is an experienced heavyweight pugilist who held the WBC International heavy title in 2013 but lost on two occasions where he fought for the WBC Heavyweight title against Bermane Stiverne and Deontay Wilder in 2014 and 2016 respectively.
The Las Vegas born, Arreola, 40, will be looking to win this fight to earn a likely last title shot as he near the end of his career. Facing a younger and energetic fighter like Andy Ruiz, 31 will be a very tough one for him but he’s determine to display his experience to the world come fight night.
In the final presser last night, he said
“I feel very rejuvenated heading into this fight. I’m excited and ready to go. Today is just a press conference, but seeing Andy today gets my blood going because I’m ready to fight right now.
“We’re heavyweights, so as long as we’re over 200 pounds, every punch is going to hurt. This is the hurt business. He’s a skillful fighter, and I’m ready for what he has to offer.
“Saturday’s coming, and I can’t wait. I put the hard work in at the gym, and Saturday is time to showcase it. We’re going to leave our friendship aside once we step into the ring. That friendship is out the door until that last bell rings.”
By Winfred Worlanyo Siegu Yaw