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Andy Ruiz Jr was ‘literally the elephant in the room’, says Frank Warren in scathing attack

Boxing promoter accuses former world champion of ‘bringing disgrace to himself and the sport’ after failing to prepare for his title rematch against Anthony Joshua

Jack de Menezes
Thursday 12 December 2019 11:05 GMT
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Anthony Joshua vs Andy Ruiz presser

Boxing promoter Frank Warren has become the latest name to criticise Andy Ruiz Jr for his condition in his unsuccessful world heavyweight title rematch against Anthony Joshua.

Defending champion Ruiz came into last Saturday’s Saudi Arabia showdown more than a stone heavier than the initial 1 June bout, which he put down to enjoying the luxuries of being world champion too much during the three-month build-up.

“I think I ate everything. Everything. That is why I gained so much weight,” Ruiz said. “I was having too much fun, I was celebrating too much. Just being with my friends and just celebrating. Drinking a few more Coronas than I should have.”

His admission that his preparations were not quite what is expected ahead of a heavyweight title fight has triggered a fierce backlash from leading names in the sport, with Joshua and rival Dillian Whyte among those to have criticised his methods.

Now promoter Warren, domestic rival to Joshua’s Eddie Hearn, has weighed in with a scathing assessment of the Mexican-American Ruiz, claiming he “literally was the elephant in the room” after letting himself down in not controlling his weight for such a big occasion.

“Andy Ruiz Jr brought disgrace to himself and the sport by simply failing to prepare to any sort of required level,” Warren wrote. “Just because you are a heavyweight it shouldn't mean you don't have an obligation to display a certain degree of athletic intention.

“Yes, he was heavy last time around and usually wobbles a bit around the middle, but this was ridiculous.

“When eyebrows were being raised at the weigh-in he literally was the elephant in the room. Joshua must have wondered which chin he was supposed to aim for.

“What we ended up with was a fella who basically scoffed himself out of being world champion and a spectacle that suffered as a result.

“The fault for this lies firmly with Ruiz, who didn't have any legs to close down a Joshua on the retreat.”

Ruiz made his desire for a third bout with Joshua clear immediately after his unanimous decision defeat, claiming that he will “get in the best f****** shape of my life” if given the chance. However, Joshua looks certain to take his WBA, IBF and WBO belts elsewhere with veteran Kubrat Pulev and Britisih rival Whyte touted as the most likely opponents.

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