Andy Ruiz vs. ‘Big Baby’ Miller: Interview on August 3 Comeback & Heavyweight Division

On August 3, Andy Ruiz (35-2, 22 KOs) makes his comeback against Jarrell “Big Baby” Miller (26-1-1, 22 KOs) as part of the undercard for Terence Crawford vs. Israil Madrimov at the BMO Stadium in Los Angeles, in the first boxing event in the United States backed by Turki Alalshikh. The entire card will be available on DAZN, TNT, and ESPN+ pay-per-view alongside PPV.com. Ahead of Ruiz‘s comeback fight, the Imperial native heavyweight has spoken to Dan Rafael about his next fight, his feelings towards Miller and returning from a large period of inactivity.

Andy Ruiz Next Fight: Comeback Against Jarrell ‘Big Baby‘ Miller

Andy Ruiz Next Fight: Discusses Build-Up to Miller Fight

Rafael asked Ruiz how everything has been going in his build-up to August 3: “I’m just super excited to get back in action on August 3, I’m going to be fighting “Big Baby” Miller, and it’s going to be a really exciting fight. We both come to fight, both have the same mission, we both want to become champions and in my eyes, he’s just the person trying to take the cheerios away from my kids. The food from the table away from my kids. That’s the motivation that I have and I’m just ready to get back in action.”

Returning After 23 Months Out

Rafael then asked the “Destroyer” about his 23-month layoff and what he’s been doing in that period: “I just took some time off. Especially from the surgery that I had. I remember when me and Deontay Wilder were gonna fight. We were in negotiations with that. Things didn’t go my way, or my plan so I had to get surgery during pre-camp and I kinda laid low for a minute and some little problems that I had under my relationship as well. I thought it was a good time just to take this time off. I’m back. I’m motivated, I’m hungry. I’m ready to get back in action.”

Read More: Andy Ruiz Needed Every Knockdown For Ortiz Win

Ruiz then explained about the surgery he had, during his period out of the ring: “It was on my shoulder. I needed to get a little clean up there. It’s back as new man. The guy that operated on me is a really good doctor and it’s better than it ever has been before.”

Feeling Good After Surgery

He continued about feeling good in the build-up to August 3: “Yes, I feel really good. Especially the people around me as well. Before we used to have a big circle now we have a small circle that want the best for me and that keeps me focused and all the things that I needed even before.”

He added: “I’m really blessed and that I feel really good and motivated for this fight. I know “Big Baby” is gonna come with everything, especially since his loss over there in Saudi Arabia.”

“I know my speed, my combinations, the power that I have also is gonna help me win the fight.”

Jarrell ‘Big Baby‘ Miller

Rafael then asked Ruiz about his relationship with Miller and if they are friends. The Imperial native was honest in his response: “Yeah we do have a friendly relationship. We’re not here to be talking crap about each other or anything like that but once we get inside that ring, we gotta put the switch on and it’s go time. But yeah, I know his family and his loved ones as well so there’s no bad blood between us.”

The Californian-born fighter was then asked about the link between himself and Miller, with Ruiz defeating Anthony Joshua only after “Big Baby” was banned for PEDs: “It’s really interesting. That’s so true because he was gonna fight Anthony Joshua and without Jarrell Miller, I wouldn’t have got that opportunity.” Ruiz added: “It’s kinda bad that the situation happened like that but god gave me the opportunity, he gave me the victory, and that’s exactly what he’s gonna give me on August 3.”

Read More: Andy Ruiz Outlasts Chris Arreola In Carson

He added: “It’s funny because a long time ago. One time I fought in Detroit and this was before me and him were cool and we knew each other.”

“He came up to the ring and he told me I want to fight you next big boy.”

When talking about being ready for August 3, Ruiz said: “It’s the sparring, the perfecting the craft. I think that’s the most important thing because I think that’s what keeps me sharp. It helps me. The timing, the counter-punching, all that. I hope to god that everything comes out perfectly how we been planning and training for August 3.”

Heavyweight Division

Ruiz was asked by Rafael about the heavyweight scene and if he liked the state of the division: “There’s a lot of heavyweight action fights, and fighters right now. A lot of opportunities. I would love to fight all those fighters. Any fighters that’s gonna get me close to becoming a world champion again, I would love to take all those fights.”

Read More: Five Underrated Heavyweight Boxers to Look Out for in 2024 

He added: “Maybe in my third fight I want to do a rematch with Joseph Parker. Maybe if Anthony Joshua gives me an opportunity to.”

Listen to the exclusive interview below with Andy Ruiz as Dan Rafael and TJ Rives preview the weekend boxing action on the Big Fight Weekend/Fight Freaks Unite podcast.

The Future

“I feel like my timing is perfect right now and I’m ready to rock n roll. I’m still young. I’m still strong. I’ve never really been in big battles, in fights. I feel right now is my prime. I got to take advantage of it and fight at least 2 or 3 fights a year.”

He continued: “I have everything ready. I’m focused, I have the right people around me, the right team. I think it’s perfect right now. It’s the perfect perfect timing for me. I’m ready to rock n roll“