Andy Ruiz and Manny Robles are back together. The former heavyweight champ is hoping for one last career revival.
One year after his last fight, former world champion Andy Ruiz Jr. is about to embark on a decisive chapter in his career. The former heavyweight champion, who sensationally beat Anthony Joshua in 2019, is returning to his former trainer Manny Robles – in the hope of building on his old successes.
Since his defeat in the rematch against Joshua, Ruiz has only fought three fights – and rarely impressed. Although he scored wins on points against Chris Arreola and Luis Ortiz, he failed to produce any real brilliant performances. His last appearance, a draw against Jarrell Miller in August 2024, also ended with a serious hand injury that led to a long break.
Now Robles is back in his team – the coach with whom Ruiz celebrated his greatest triumph: the sensational knockout victory against AJ in 2019. Robles sees the collaboration as his last chance: “He’s at a point where it’s now or never. I will push him, set clear rules and make sure he has no excuses.”
The 35-year-old Ruiz was regarded as one of the greatest talents of his generation, but his career was repeatedly stalled by inactivity, weight fluctuations and disciplinary problems. A comeback is initially planned for late 2025 or early 2026. There is no specific opponent yet – but Ruiz urgently needs to prove that he can once again attack at the very top.
Text by Robin Josten