Manny Robles has urged Andy Ruiz to get himself back in the world title mix.
Ruiz worked with Robles as his cornerman for his history-defining upset win over Anthony Joshua in 2019, which saw him crowned unified heavyweight world champion against all the odds.
Unfortunately, the Mexican was left caught up in celebrations and failed to prepare efficiently for their Saudi Arabia rematch, so was outpointed six months later and lost his titles.
The ex-champion has fought just twice since that Middle East showdown, and in an interview with talkSPORT.com, Robles has urged Ruiz to work his way back to the top.
“I think he would fight in this Saudi Arabia world title mix,” Robles said. “But where is Andy? That is the question.
“I haven’t spoken to him or seen him in years. I have no idea what Andy is up to in all honesty.
“But he should come back and take advantage of this opportunity that has been given to all the heavyweight fighters.
“The opportunity to fight in Saudi Arabia and get in the mix, all these great heavyweight champions fighting each other.
“A loss should not determine the career of a fighter, I don’t think he should be judged by that defeat.”
“For someone like Deontay Wilder who lost his other fight, it looks like he might be fighting Zhang.
“It is not losing, it is how you lose and you live to see another day.”
Ruiz made his comeback in a laboured points win over Chris Arreola in May 2021, before dropping Luis Ortiz twice in another points win one year later in September 2022.
The Mexican was in talks with Deontay Wilder last year over a potential WBC eliminator, which would have seen him firmly back in world title contention.
But negotiations collapsed, and the 34-year-old has been very much frozen out of the picture despite fights being delivered in the division more now than ever.
He currently has no return date pencilled in, but would likely be a prominent figure on Saudi cards if he was to pursue new heights in his career.
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News Summary:
- ‘Where is he?’ – Andy Ruiz handed fight advice by ex-trainer who masterminded Anthony Joshua upset
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