Andy Ruiz Jr has been out of the ring since September of 2022, and he will go all of 2023 without fighting.
That unanimous decision win over Luis Ortiz in which he knocked the hard-hitting Cuban heavyweight down three times was preceded by another points win over Chris Arreola.
Those two bouts were rebuilding for Ruiz, who had won and then lost the unified heavyweight titles against Anthony Joshua in the space of six months back in 2019.
It makes just four fights for the Mexican since June of that year, and, at 34-years-old, fans believe he must get busy in the ring should he ever deliver on his vow to become top dog once more.
Unfortunately, an unspecified surgery has ruled out this year too. Speaking on social media, Ruiz revealed that he was back training just five days after his hospital visit, but that 2024 was his year.
“Yeah you guys, I just got done working out, five days out of my surgery and we’re back in the gym. Feeling good, feeling blessed and can’t wait to get back in the ring, man. 2024 is my year, baby. Remember that.”
“I had a little minor setback for a major comeback – and we’re coming baby! Let’s get it.”
He has been strongly tied to a fellow former champion in Deontay Wilder this year, but a fight has failed to materialise even despite the WBC ordering it to take place.
Wilder’s side claim Ruiz asked for too much money, a complaint that was echoed by world champion Tyson Fury when he was on the market for an opponent.