Former heavyweight champion Andy Ruiz Jr. is ready to return to the boxing ring after a lengthy layoff due to an injury sustained in his controversial draw against Jarrell Miller. After months of recovery, Ruiz shared an optimistic update with fans, announcing that he has been given the “green light” by doctors to resume his boxing career in 2025.
A Struggling Performance Leads to Injury
Andy Ruiz Jr’s August 2024 bout against Jarrell Miller left a lot to be desired. The fight, which ended in a draw, was criticized for Ruiz’s lackluster performance. The Mexican heavyweight struggled to control the fight and appeared out of shape, prompting many to believe Miller deserved the win. Following the fight, Ruiz revealed a severely swollen hand and was later diagnosed with an injury to his carpometacarpal (CMC) joint at the base of his thumb.
The injury forced Ruiz to take a break from boxing, with recovery estimates ranging from several months to a year. Despite the setback, Ruiz wasted no time in expressing his intent to return to the sport once his injury healed.
“Green Light” for 2025 Comeback
In a recent video posted on social media, Ruiz confidently showed off his physique and shared the exciting news that his doctors had cleared him to return to the ring. “Just got the green light from the doctor. Let’s go, I’m ready to fight, who should I fight next year?” he wrote, signaling his eagerness for a 2025 comeback.
This announcement comes after a period of uncertainty for Ruiz, who has fought just three times since winning the heavyweight title in 2019. Despite the struggles in his recent outings, including the frustrating draw against Miller, Ruiz’s comeback is highly anticipated by fans who are hoping to see “The Destroyer” back in top form.
Looking Ahead: Andy Ruiz Jr’s Path in the Heavyweight Division
With the current heavyweight landscape dominated by rising stars and established champions, Ruiz will need to work hard to regain his place among the elite. However, his former coach, Manny Robles, believes Ruiz should seize the opportunities available, especially with the growing prominence of heavyweight boxing in Saudi Arabia.
“I think he would fight in this Saudi Arabia world title mix,” Robles said. “But where is Andy? That is the question. I haven’t spoken to him or seen him in years. He should come back and take advantage of this opportunity.”
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