By Josh Peter
When Andy Ruiz Jr. steps into the boxing ring for his inevitable rematch against Anthony Joshua, fans of the famously flabby boxer might be disappointed.
“I want to be more toned,’’ said Ruiz, who became the first Mexican heavyweight champion when he knocked out Joshua on June 1 in New York. “Just shock the world even more, you know? I’ll have more ability, more speed, more power if I turn the little flab I have into muscle.
“I’m not trying to be with six-pack abs and big muscles and all that. None of that, you know. But just look a little different and more lean.’’
Negotiations for the rematch against Joshua continue, and Ruiz said the hangup is where to stage the fight. But whether it’s held in London, New York or another locale, Ruiz said, his body won’t be jiggling like it used to.
Ruiz, who has been referred to as “Fat Andy” and “Fat Boy,” said he hasn’t eaten a Snickers bar since the night of his historic victory. (His father used to feed Ruiz Snickers bars between rounds, and Ruiz said he used to eat three to four a week.)
And the other day, during a phone interview with USA TODAY Sports, Ruiz noted he was eating a club sandwich and chicken noodle soup.
“That’s something I’m working on now, choosing the right foods,’’ Ruiz said. “If not, I would be eating a three-patty hamburger with bacon and all kinds of cheese.
“People need to understand that I came this far being chubby and all that. Imagine how far I could go actually being in good shape and looking good.
“It’s going to work in my advantage. I know it’s going to work. I’m going to feel a lot better and have more ability.’’
When Ruiz fought the sculpted Joshua at Madison Square Garden, he weighed 267 pounds.
“I’d love to be at 250, 255, but just be fit and be solid,’’ said Ruiz, who acknowledged he has never before attempted to get into good shape for a fight. “Now that I have the right team behind me and the right equipment and all that, I think it’s going to work out for my benefit and it’s going to work out in my favor.
“The main thing is just to stay focused.’’
One bite at a time.
Article courtesy of USA Today
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