Former unified world heavyweight champion Andy Ruiz will face fellow Mexican-American Chris Arreola at the Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California, on May 1.
It will be Ruiz’s first fight since turning up out of shape and losing his WBA Super, WBO and IBF heavyweight crowns in a rematch against former victim Anthony Joshua in December 2019.
Ruiz has since enlisted trainer of the moment Eddy Reynoso and dropped a significant amount of weight as he gears up for a fresh assault on the heavyweight championships.
“I can’t wait to get back in the ring on May 1,” said Ruiz (33-2, 22 KOs). “Training with coach Eddy in his gym has been amazing. I’m around great fighters like Canelo Alvarez and we’re putting in the work so that I can look better than ever.
“I have known Chris Arreola since I turned professional. He’s a Mexican warrior just like me, and I expect him to come at me with everything he’s got. This is going to be an action-packed event between fighters who do not go backwards. I will be smart and ready to do whatever it takes to get the win and put myself back in position to become heavyweight champion again.”
Three-time world title challenger Arreola (38-6-1, 33 KOs) added: “Training with Joe Goossen is tedious, hard work. We’re doing everything that we can so that when Ruiz and I face each other, fight fans will get treated to an all-out war between the two best Mexican-American heavyweights to ever step in the ring. This match-up should be a fan-friendly fight and I plan on winning behind all of my hard work.”