Andy Ruiz Jr. reveals his toughest fight wasn't against Anthony Joshua: 'I wanted to give up'
Andy Ruiz Jr., a Mexican-American boxer, has had his fair share of memorable fights, but he recently revealed the one that truly tested his mettle. In a recent interview, Ruiz discussed his August 2024 bout with Jarrell Miller, which he described as his most challenging match to date.
Ruiz, known for his powerful punching and resilient spirit, faced a unique challenge against Miller. The fight, which ended in a draw, was a grueling 12-round battle where Ruiz had to dig deep into his reserves to survive. He admitted that there were moments during the fight when he wanted to give up, but his father's encouragement kept him going.
'I couldn't do anything; I was just surviving,' Ruiz recalled. 'I had one hand from the fifth round all the way to the 12th. That was the hardest fight I ever had in my life. I literally had to survive. There were times I wanted to give up, and my dad was like, 'F*** no. What do you mean you're going to give up? There's only four more rounds left — come on.' That was the hardest thing I've ever had to do.'
Ruiz's determination and ability to adapt under pressure are what made this fight so remarkable. Despite the challenging circumstances, he managed to endure and secure a draw, showcasing his mental fortitude and unwavering commitment to his craft.
This fight stands in contrast to his highly publicized victory over Anthony Joshua, which was a seven-round knockout. While that win was a significant achievement, Ruiz's battle with Miller was a testament to his resilience and ability to overcome adversity, even when things weren't going his way in the ring.
