Ever since Andy Ruiz Jr came in heavy for his rematch with Anthony Joshua, fans love to see him on the scales and try to decipher what it might mean come fight night. The results are in…
Ahead of his scrap with Luis Ortiz tomorrow in Los Angeles, he presented a trimmer figure than we’ve seen for some of his fights. He weighed in at 268 lbs – almost exactly the same as the night he shocked the world and became world champion.
Perhaps more important than the number is that it seems Ruiz is carrying more muscle mass this time around. Still, reading into tonight’s weight too much isn’t advisable. He reminded us this week that heavyweight boxing “is not a body contest”, and he’s even blamed a focus on weight loss for a lacklustre performance last time around against Chris Arreola. For that fight he was 256 lbs.
In the other corner, Ortiz was 245 lbs on the scales – technically the heaviest of his career, but only by a couple of pounds. The hard-hitter came in at 243 lbs when he froze Charles Martin with a huge shot in his last outing. He went onto win by stoppage, having already been dropped twice himself in the earlier rounds.
Sunday’s heavyweight main event is set ⚖️ #RuizOrtiz
Andy Ruiz 🇲🇽268.8 lbs.
Luis Ortiz 🇨🇺245.3 lbs. pic.twitter.com/Q5uTRDmdBB— ESPN Ringside (@ESPNRingside) September 3, 2022
Contrary to Ruiz, who has changed trainers and fluctuated in weight, Ortiz is set in his ways at this stage of his career. Aged 43 now, the Cuban knows what he’s good at and that’s getting opponents out of there inside the distance. Tomorrow night, the plan is no different.
For Ruiz, it’s a chance to show off the blisteringly quick hand speed that baffled AJ and made him the first ever Mexican heavyweight champion. If he wants to reach those heights again anytime soon, this is surely a must win fight. Perhaps 268 is his lucky number.
US fans can tune in on FOX Sports PPV for $74.99, with UK Fans able to stream the action on FITE TV at a price of £12.99.