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In a matter of three fights, Andy Ruiz has gone from underdog, to champion, to disappointment, to a man in search of a comeback — but the comeback is off to a good start.
Ruiz (34-2, 22 KOs) recorded his first win in nearly two years on Saturday, as he defeated Chris Arreola (38-6-1, 33 KOs) via unanimous decision in a 12-round, non-title heavyweight bout. All three judges scored the fight, which took place at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California, for Ruiz via scores of 118-109, 118-109 and 117-110.
It was an important night for Ruiz, 31, who upset Anthony Joshua to become the first Mexican heavyweight boxing champion in 2019, only to give his titles right back in an immediate rematch. After his weight ballooned to 310 pounds following the loss, Ruiz teamed up with Canelo Alvarez and trainer Eddy Reynoso, and came into this fight 27 pounds lighter than his last fight.
“Chris had it all. He’s a veteran and a hard puncher,” Ruiz said. “We did what we had to do, and we won the victory. Remember, I was at the lowest, and I had to come back. We did what we had to do. Thank God we got this victory and on to the next.”