The Matchroom promoter says injuries and personal issues stalled Ruiz’s career and predicts victories over Daniel Dubois, Agit Kabayel and Fabio Wardley
Eddie Hearn believes Andy Ruiz Jr. can become heavyweight champion again despite nearly two years out of the ring, insisting injuries and personal issues, not declining ability, derailed the former unified champion. Hearn also backed Ruiz to beat several of the division’s leading contenders if he returns at his best.
“I truly believe Andy Ruiz will be heavyweight world champion again,” said Hearn to iFL TV. “It’s a big signing for us because we’re slowly creeping with the heavyweights.”
Hearn didn’t stop there, backing Ruiz against several of the division’s top names.
“I believe he beats Agit Kabayel. I believe he beats Daniel Dubois and Fabio Wardley right now. Moses Itauma, I think it’s a brilliant fight against Andy Ruiz, and I rate Moses Itauma very highly. I truly believe Andy Ruiz will be heavyweight world champion again.”
Ruiz has fought only four times since upsetting Anthony Joshua to win the WBA, IBF and WBO heavyweight titles in June 2019. After losing the rematch to Joshua six months later, he defeated Chris Arreola and Luis Ortiz before settling for a draw against Jarrell Miller in his most recent appearance.
According to Hearn, injuries and problems outside the ring stalled Ruiz’s career.
“I think a lot of personal problems,” Hearn said. “He broke his thumb in that fight, and I think he just wanted to sort his stuff out. He seems in a great place in life. He’s back with Manny Robles, which I think is a great move.”
Hearn believes reuniting with Robles, who guided Ruiz to his upset victory over Joshua, can help revive his career.
“No one can deny the guy’s very talented,” Hearn said. “He struggled with a bit of injury, some personal issues and a lack of consistency because of what was going on outside of the ring. I think now that’s all out the way. I think he’s training really hard. He looks fantastic.”
Ruiz is expected to return in early September in what Hearn described as a “real fight,” with bigger opportunities to follow if he performs well.
“I said to him, ‘You could be one of the biggest wastes of talent if you don’t get on this,'” Hearn said. “He said, ‘I’m on it 110%.’ The proof will be in the pudding in September. If he’s not got it anymore, he’ll get beat. But I think we can go on a run, and I think he can be involved in massive fights.”
