Andy Ruiz Has ‘Nothing Bad to Say’ About Zuffa Boxing Despite Signing with Eddie Hearn

Andy Ruiz (35-2-1, 22 KOs) is all set to make a return after a 2-year-long hiatus with a showdown against Damian Knyba (17-1, 11 KOs) on September 4. While he will be fighting under Eddie Hearn’s banner for the first time, he has nothing but praise for Zuffa Boxing,

Talking to Ariel Helwani, Ruiz admitted he was very close to signing with Zuffa Boxing.

“We’re, we’re pretty close. I was talking to a lot of different promoters at that time, but with Eddie Hearns, I felt like it was more- it just felt right. The plan that he had and, me remembering the opportunity that he gave me, you know?” he said. “I’m a loyal, loyal person, so I felt like I was like, ‘You know what? He gave me the opportunity.’ He helped me become the first Mexican heavyweight champion of the world, and you know what? I’m gonna, I’m gonna sign with him.”

Ruiz openly acknowledged the irony that Hearn probably expected Anthony Joshua to win that night, but he said that did not change how he viewed his role in his career. For Ruiz, that history created a sense of obligation and personal loyalty that went beyond simply choosing whichever promoter offered the best financial package.

That loyalty appears particularly meaningful to him because he sees Matchroom as part of his unfinished story. There is also a very human element to it. Ruiz has admitted that after the Joshua fights, money and the lack of clarity following his newfound fame caused him to lose focus, and he now views his return as a chance to do things differently. Hearn was among those who believed Ruiz could become a world champion in the first place.

But what does he actually think of Zuffa Boxing as a promotion?

“It’s a, it’s a hot topic this year. I think it’s good. I think it, it still needs to grow. They’re doing good things. They’re paying the fighters pretty good. So, I think any person that is building fights and helping the fighters make money and get an opportunity, why not? I don’t have nothing bad to say,” he said.

“I Didn’t Really Like”

However, there is one thing he hopes Zuffa would reconsider: not including the traditional belts that have always been the central pillars of the sport.

“Well, that’s something that I didn’t really like because I wanna get those belts back, you know? I want to, I want the WBO, I want the WBC belt that’s missing in my collection and the ring side,” he said. “So that’s something, that’s one of the reasons too why I signed over there with Matchroom.”

Joshua Ben Joseph

Joshua Ben Joseph is a Boxing writer renowned for his unparalleled coverage of live events and insightful interviews with prominent athletes in the world of combat sports. With a career spanning over several years, he has authored more than 800 articles. As an experienced editorial cartoonist and investigative journalist, Joshua has a keen eye for detail and a passion for delivering quality content. Aside from his writing, Joshua is an avid powerlifter and solo traveler, embodying the same spirit of determination and exploration that he brings to his work. With a deep love for the sport of boxing that dates back to childhood, he is committed to delivering the highest quality content and helping to build a more transparent and credible industry.

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