Andy Ruiz blames ‘three months of partying’ for defeat to Anthony Joshua in Saudi Arabia

Mexican-American boxer, Andy Ruiz who spearheaded one of the biggest upsets in boxing by defeating Anthony Joshua to win the world heavyweight titles in New York in June, has blamed his defeat in their rematch on three months of partying and celebration.

The boxer who rolled out his excuses at the post match conference, said he partied, became overweight and undertrained for the rematch which took place in Saudi Arabia on Saturday December 7.

Andy Ruiz said: “Three months of partying and celebrating affected me, what can I say?
“Being overweight, I wasn’t fluid enough, I wasn’t moving the way I wanted to move.
“I think if I’m lighter I’m going to let my hands go and be a completely different fighter.”

When asked what he would have done differently if granted a rematch against Anthony Joshua, he said;

“Listen to my coach. Listen to my dad. And take it more seriously.
“I’m OK, I’m just a little disappointed. I should have listened to them.
“I tried to do the training on my own. I should have listened to them more.
“There’s no excuses…the partying and all that stuff got the best of me.
“For being out of shape I did pretty good, I took all his shots.”

Ruiz recognized that he lost a wide decision to Joshua but said he holds a victory too. He said the scores are tied with one win apiece and he wants a trilogy bout.

“I know for the third one I’m going to be a lot better.”

He added: “There’s a lot of responsibility being a champion of the world. I think the partying and all that stuff got the best of me. Next time it’ll be a lot better.”