Former heavyweight champion Andy Ruiz Jr. lost ground in his bid for another shot as ‘The Destroyer’ failed to shine at BMO Stadium.
Mexico’s first top division ruler sustained an injury during the mid-rounds of his clash with controversial contender Jarrell Miller but could easily have lost the fight on the scorecards.
Ruiz hurt his hand in the fifth round and was sometimes almost out on his feet. Ultimately, he got away with a draw but looked poor, barring a short burst in the early rounds. Fears over Ruiz’s conditioning, which have only been evident since he won the world title in 2019, continue to haunt the 34-year-old.
Despite starting well, Ruiz faded badly as Miller poured on the pressure late. At the final bell, one score read 116-112 for Miller. However, that victory was overruled by two officials, who saw it as 114-114. A rematch could soon be on the cards.
The one-time unified titleholder admitted his conditioning wasn’t the best.
“Let’s do it again. It was pretty exhausting. You’ve got a three-hundred-pound man coming at me, throwing and throwing. I think I did pretty well for doing the two-year-long layoff. Like I said, let’s do it again.”
“I know I did enough to win., but I threw more punches,” insisted Miller. “I had him backing up the entire fight. It’s called effective aggression. I kept the pressure on.
“I hit him with the more effective punches, and I had the fight in the bag,” the New Yorker added.
After almost two years out of the ring, Ruiz notched a first stalemate, moving to 35-2-1, 22 KOs. Miller, who could have been completely out of the heavyweight picture with a second successive loss, moves to 26-1-2, 22 KOs.
IBF champion Daniel Dubois had previously stopped Miller in the final round of their Saudi Arabia meeting earlier this year.
Cruz vs Valenzuela
Additionally, in the co-main event, Isaac Cruz dropped a third career loss against Jose Valenzuela, losing his WBA super lightweight title. Robert Garcia-trained Valenzuela carded a split decision in the shock of the night.
Cruz called for a second helping in his post-fight interview.
“I would like to officially request a rematch,” said Cruz. I want to throw that down now and ask for a rematch for sure. Thank you to the fans. Good night.”
Valenzuela, who won his first world title, stated, “I’m speechless for a dream that came true. I just had to be smart, and I didn’t get desperate.
“But I did not fall under pressure; I just stayed calm and felt great. I felt I was in control the whole time, using my speed and footwork. This is for my mom and dad and their sacrifices.”
Read all articles and exclusive interviews by Phil Jay. Learn more about the author, experienced boxing writer, and World Boxing News Editor since 2010. Follow on Twitter @PhilJWBN.
