WBA, IBF and WBO World Heavyweight Champion Andy Ruiz Jr. does not want to wake up from the dream he’s been able to enjoy since last month when he defeated Anthony Joshua to become the unified champion of his weight class.
On Monday, the World Boxing Organization (WBO) carried out a press conference where Ruiz was given a specially made belt for him. Former Puerto Rican champions such as Miguel Cotto, Iván Calderón, Juanma López, Alex Sanchez, John John Molina and Samuel Serrano were also present, among others.
“My life changed completely. Everything has been a dream. I worked hard, I achieved everything I wanted to do and now that I am a world champion, it is something wonderful,” shared Ruiz with Carlos Gonzalez.
Ruiz’s life took a 180 degree turn since he knocked out Joshua in the seventh round. He already had the opportunity to meet Andrés Manuel López Obrador, president of Mexico.
“People now come after me for a photo or a video, but it’s nice because it’s what I wanted. I was not prepared for the fame I acquired, but everything comes at the right time. We have to become humble and enjoy everything that comes,” Ruiz said.
Ruiz, 29, joins Puerto Rico’s John Ruiz as the only Hispanics to hold a heavyweight belt.
Now Ruiz moves forward, with a rematch with Joshua that is being positioned for the fall, and he has no intention of being the loser.
“My name will remain in history as the first Mexican to become champion of the heavyweight division. I feel good about everything that is happening through all the sacrifices that I made. This is what I’ve wanted from the age of six,” said Ruiz.
“I do not want it to be my 15 minutes of fame. I have to throw more [desire and dedication] to win the rematch.”
—boxingscene
