Andy Ruiz has the goal to enjoy a second world title reign. The next step on that journey leads him to playing an arena he’d previously only attended as a spectator.
That changes this Sunday, when he faces Luis Ortiz (33-2, 28KOs) in a scheduled 12-round WBC semifinal title eliminator in Los Angeles.
“It feels amazing,” Ruiz told BoxingScene,com. “It’s such a legendary place for events, for concerts, for fights. It’s a blessing for me to have my turn to fight there as the main event.”
“The first time I’ve seen Luis Ortiz fight in person was at Staples Center,” recalled Ruiz. “He was on the Deontay Wilder-Tyson Fury card. My dad told me, ‘Look, Andy, one day you’re going to fight one of these guys.’ What do you know, now I’m fighting one of these guys and hopefully fighting the other soon.”
“At that time, I was still trying to get back into the heavyweight rankings. I fought Joseph Parker (for the vacant WBO title in December 2016, suffering a majority decision defeat) but was still trying to fight my way back and get to the point of possibly fighting one of those guys.”
“At that time, I was still trying to get back into the heavyweight rankings. I fought Joseph Parker (for the vacant WBO title in December 2016, suffering a majority decision defeat) but was still trying to fight my way back and get to the point of possibly fighting one of those guys.”
