Former unified heavyweight champion Andy “The Destroyer” Ruiz Jr. took fans inside his training camp Thursday during a virtual media workout that streamed live on the PBC YouTube page, as Ruiz prepares to take on Chris “The Nightmare” Arreola Saturday, May 1 in the FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-View main event from Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif.
The full workout stream can be watched in its entirety HERE, as Ruiz showed off his skills alongside his renowned trainer Eddy Reynoso.
The May 1 event is promoted by TGB Promotions. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased at AXS.com. Dignity Health Sports Park will be open to fans in a limited capacity, with all guests remaining socially distanced and subject to local and state health guidelines throughout the event.
Ruiz will return to the ring for the first time since his pair of fights against Anthony Joshua that saw him shock the British heavyweight via a knockout victory in their first matchup, which made Ruiz the first heavyweight champion of Mexican descent. To regain the title, Ruiz joined up with Eddy Reynoso and will step into action under his guide for the first time on May 1.
Here is what Ruiz and Reynoso had to say Thursday:
ANDY RUIZ JR.
“It’s great to be back. I feel really good right now with all the hard work we’ve put in at the gym. I know Arreola is training hard as well and looking good, so we’re ready for whatever he brings on fight night.
“I chose Eddy because this is where the champions train. Everyone here is dedicated and disciplined. I felt like I needed to make this change and it’s really something that I should have done a long time ago.
“The main thing I’ve learned here is discipline. That’s something you can’t buy, you have to do it on your own. You have to want it.
“I’ve learned so much here. We try to perfect every punch and every movement. I’m not just a fighter who comes forward. I have more abilities. Losing weight is going to let me show more of what I can do.
“Chris and I sparred when I was 16-years-old. We’ve both had the same dreams and the same vision. We’ve had great careers. My dad has always said that me and him were going to fight one day and now it’s right around the corner.
“I come to the gym with a smile on my face now. I’m not where I want to be yet, but I’m a lot better than I was before. I just have to keep working and stay disciplined. I have to be in the gym, even when I don’t have a fight date. It’s got to be a lifestyle.
“I’ve learned different abilities that I can do during this training camp. I can throw different punches and combinations fighting at this weight. I was always a fighter who could come forward, but now I can switch it up. I can’t wait to show it on May 1.”
EDDY REYNOSO, Ruiz’s Trainer
“The most important thing for Andy is the discipline and his mentality. Those are the main aspects we’ve been working on. From there, we have the building blocks to get better each and every day with everything we want to do
“The talent and intelligence has always been there for Andy. It’s a pleasure to work with him. He’s done everything I’ve asked of him so far.
“I’m really excited for this fight. You’re going to see a new Andy Ruiz Jr. both physically and mentally. You’re going to see him become champion again. I can’t wait for this step on May 1.
“It’s definitely going to be a tough fight against Arreola. These are two fighters who had the same upbringing. There’s going to be nowhere to hide in the ring and they’re going to bring out the best in each other.”