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In this file photo, Imperial native and boxer Andy Ruiz (left) delivers a shot to Elijah McCall during their December 2012 heavyweight fight in Las Vegas. Ruiz got the win in the third round. (PHOTO COURTESY OF RUIZ FAMILY / March 11, 2013) |
CARSON – Imperial Valley heavyweight contender Andy Ruiz climbs back into the ring Saturday as part of the undercard of the Timothy Bradley-Ruslan Provodnikov championship fight at the Home Depot Center here.
Ruiz (17-0 with 11 KOs), who grew up in Imperial, will be squaring off with heavyweight Matthew Greer (15-9, 13 KOs), who was in the ring with former champion James Toney just more than three years ago.
“I’ve seen a few of his fights on YouTube and I know he comes in with some good experience,” said the 23-year-old Ruiz. “I know he fought James Toney and you’re going to learn some things getting into the ring with a skilled champion like that.”
Greer, 35, fought Jan. 19 and lost to the unbeaten Deontay Wilder by second-round TKO in Villahermosa, Tabasco, Mexico. His bout with Toney was on Sept. 12, 2009, when he lost by second-round knockout in Temecula.
Ruiz is coming off a third-round TKO victory over Elijah McCall on Dec. 7 in Las Vegas. Ruiz used his superior hand speed and controlled McCall from the opening bell. He is looking for an equally impressive performance Saturday.
“I have prepared myself really well for this fight. Training has gone very well,” said Ruiz, who lives and trains in Las Vegas but regularly visits his parents in Imperial. “Now I have a nutritionist and I’m trying to take my game to the next level.”
Ruiz said he will enter the ring at about 248 pounds, the lightest he has been as a professional boxer. He weighed between 253 and 256 pounds for his four fights in the last 12 months.
“I’m happy the fight is there in Los Angeles. I know a lot of people from the Valley who are going to make the drive over and show their support for me,” Ruiz said. “I appreciate all the love they show me. I want to represent them well and not let them down.”
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