By Babs Oyetoro
As many still remember, Ruiz Jr., stunned the boxing world when he knocked out Anthony Joshua in June 2019 to claim the WBA, IBF, and WBO belts for himself. The Mexican did lose the rematch a few months later and has not fought since.
Several months of training have transformed Ruiz Jr’s physique drastically, and he is now arguably in the best shape of his life in preparation for his bout with Chris Arreola on May 1, 2021.
With Ruiz Jr. now a new animal, he has gone ahead and named who he believes are the top five heavyweights in boxing today while speaking to PBC on FOX.
Spoiler alert, he has included himself on the list. But in his opinion, Tyson Fury is number one among the top five heavyweights he listed. According to him, Fury is a Christian like him who will not give up easily.
However, a surprise inclusion at number five is Ruiz Jr’s upcoming opponent, Chris Arreola. We don’t know whether he’s been included based on merit or based on the fact the pair are going toe-to-toe in just over a week, Ruiz Jr. was full of praise for the Mexican American fighter.
“He’s a Mexican heavyweight fighter, just like me. He does not give up. I and he are bangers and we like to give the crowd what they want.”
Both Ruiz Jr. and Wilder were heavyweight champions once, but after they eventually lost their crowns, the fighters are each on their respective journeys to reclaim their thrones.
When speaking about Wilder, Ruiz Jr. said: “He has a great right hand, he’s tall, he’s a dramatic knockout artist.” He has rated him number four.
No surprise here that Ruiz Jr. has included himself on the podium. His highly anticipated comeback is coming to fruition and the former champion firmly has his sights set on a second heavyweight crown.
“I know what I’m capable of and I know what I’m going to do to become a second-time champion of the world.” He rated self-number three.
How AJ lifted me up after defeat – Ruiz Jr
The AJ and Ruiz Jr. saga is definitely not over with the fighters split 1-1.
“I and he have unfinished business that we need to handle. I won one, he won one, so we’re just waiting for the trilogy.” He rated AJ number two, who is the current heavyweight champion.
The current WBC champion is Ruiz Jr’s rightful number one and the pair seemingly got along when they recently met in person. Ruiz Jr. said: “He’s a man of God and he’s a Christian like me. We don’t give up.”
