Former unified heavyweight champion Andy Ruiz Jr will make his return to the ring against former three-time world title challenger Chris Arreola on May 1, live on pay-per-view.
Ruiz Jr, 30, fights for the first time since losing his unified WBA ‘Super’, WBO, IBF and IBO heavyweight titles to Anthony Joshua in their rematch in Saudi Arabia in December 2019, after producing one of the biggest upsets in heavyweight history, stopping the Brit at Madison Square Garden sixth months earlier.
The pair will clash at the Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California in front of limited spectators, with the pay-per-view priced at $49.95.
‘The Destroyer’, who is of Mexican descent has since switched trainers, leaving Manny Robles to link-up with Eddy Reynoso, trainer of Canelo Alvarez and Ryan Garcia amongst others and believes a win can put him on the path back to world heavyweight glory.
“I can’t wait to get back in the ring on May 1,” said Ruiz.
“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.”
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Arreola has had three previous world title attempts losing most recently to Deontay Wilder by eighth round retirement in a challenge for the WBC crown in 2016, with his other title reverses coming to Vitali Klitschko in 2009 and Bermane Stiverne in 2014.
The 40-year-old, also of Mexican heritage last fought to a unanimous decision defeat to Adam Kownacki in 2019 and has promised an all-action affair when he meets Ruiz.
“Training with Joe Goossen is tedious, hard work,” said Arreola.
“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 matchup should be a fan friendly fight, and I plan on winning behind all of my hard work.”
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On the undercard former WBC lightweight world champion, Omar Figueroa Jr faces Abel Ramos at Welterweight.
Unbeaten super welterweight talent, Sebastian Fundora meets powerful Mexican Jorge Cota and undefeated welterweight, Jesus Ramos tackles Javier Molina.
The event is promoted by TGB Promotions. Tickets go on sale Friday, March 26 at 10 a.m. PT and can be purchased at AXS.com.
