Andy Ruiz Jr makes long-awaited boxing return to face Anthony Joshua rival who says it will be ‘battle of fast food’
ANDY RUIZ JR will return from his two-year hiatus against a pal he goes fishing with.
The former unified heavyweight champion, 34, is climbing back into the ring in Los Angeles on August 3.
Ruiz has not fought since his victory over Luis Ortiz in September 2022.
And he will face close friend Jarrell “Big Baby” Miller on the undercard of Terence Crawford’s clash with WBA light-middleweight world champion Israil Madrimov.
Miller, 35, has a strained relationship with Anthony Joshua after failing a drug test just before he was due to fight the Brit.
But he shares a close bond with Ruiz – and they are even planning a trip together for after the fight.
Miller, who lost to Daniel Dubois in December, said: “Coming into this fight I have more than enough time to prepare.
“If you look at any one of my fights except Dubois, I either knock you out or a dominate and beat yo’ a**.
“They told me about this fight and I said ‘that’s my bro’.
“I picked the phone up and I said ‘do I have permission to kick yo’ butt?’
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“There’s no animosity between me and Andy it’s just business.
“I told him ‘whatever happens fight night you’re still taking me fishing bro’.
“It’s a great card to be on. I can’t wait to do what I do best.
“We’re gonna keep it cordial, keep it respectful and after that.
“Sorry there’s no s*** talking today. I feel like you need a punchline.
“It’s the battle of the fast food.”
The rest of the card is Vergil Ortiz vs Tim Tszyu, Isaac Cruz vs Jose Valenzuela, David Morrell vs Radivoje Kalajdzic and Andy Cruz vs Antonio Moran.
Ricky Hatton's biggest boxing wins
Ricky Hatton tasted defeat just three times in an illustrious 46 fight career that saw him earn an estimated £37million in prize money. Here are some of his most memorable victories:
Tommy Peacock by TKO – In his 11th fight as a professional Ricky won his first title – the vacant Central Area light-welterweight belt – at Oldham Sports Centre
Jon Thaxton on points – Ricky picked up national honours when he defeated Thaxton for the vacant British light-welterweight strap at Wembley Conference Centre in 2000
Kostya Tsyzu retired – In front of a rapturous home crowd inside Manchester’s MEN Arena, Ricky became a world champion for the first time. He won the IBF and The Ring light-welterweight titles against the former undisputed champ Tsyzu
Luis Collazo unanimous decision – Just three fights later Ricky added to his title collection, claiming the WBA light-welterweight title stateside by beating tough Collazo over 12 rounds
Paulie Malignaggi TKO – Ricky’s final boxing victory came against loud-mouthed American-Italian fighter Malignaggi in Las Vegas. The Hitman let his fists do the talking and stopped his foe in the 11th round. He earned a cool $2.5million for his night’s work.
Six months later Ricky would taste defeat for a second time, the first being against Floyd Mayweather in 2007, against Phillippino superstar Manny Pacquiao. He suffered a brutal second round knockout and was taken to hospital for a precautionary brain scan