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Andy Ruiz pounds out ten-round unanimous decision over Kevin Johnson; calls for Jarrell Miller fight
James Slater - July 8, 2018

Last night on the ESPN card from Fresno, California, heavyweight contender and former WBO title challenger Andy Ruiz pounded out a ten-round UD over experienced campaigner Kevin Johnson. The scores were 99-91 and 97-93 97-93. Ruiz, beaten only by former WBO ruler Joseph Parker, is now 31-1(20). Johnson, who still knows his way around a ring, is now 32-10-1(16) – he has been stopped just twice.

It was a reasonably interesting fight, by no means an absolute stinker, even if “KingPin” was more interested in boxing a defensive fight than attacking. Ruiz, often criticised for his physical conditioning – or to be more accurate, his physical appearance – threw out plenty of leather with his fast hands and his stamina held up fine. Of course, not too much pressure was coming his way from Johnson; a man who has been in with almost every big-name heavyweight of recent times.

Ruiz, having just his second fight back since dropping a very close 12-round decision to Parker in New Zealand, was happy to have gotten ten good rounds under his belt.

“I still need some work, but having these 10 rounds was a good experience,” a victorious Ruiz said last night. “We’re just improving and getting better. I’d love to face Jarrell Miller or any of the big guys out there, and they’ll probably underestimate me after this performance. The next one will be different.”

A fight between Ruiz and the unbeaten Miller, AKA “Big Baby,” would be an intriguing fight but Miller may have other options. The New Yorker still has that eliminator with Kubrat Pulev to consider taking, and he is also reportedly looking at a fight with the Manuel Charr-Fres Oquendo winner, this fight to decide the “regular” version of the WBA belt.

What would Miller gain from a fight with Ruiz? If he were to beat “The Destroyer” critics would claim Ruiz was not that great in the first place, but then again, Ruiz could conceivably upset Miller. Whoever he does fight next, it is to be hoped Ruiz, a talented and gifted heavyweight, remains active.

With his quick hands, decent power and reliable chin, Ruiz could be involved in some exciting big fights.

Would love to see that fight. It would be a tear up that could go either way.

I don't get the hype over Millar. He's not really beaten anyone of note and I reckon his power is over rated. I'd have Ruiz as favorite for that fight

(07-09-2018, 08:01 PM)mippy Wrote: [ -> ]I don't get the hype over Millar. He's not really beaten anyone of note and I reckon his power is over rated. I'd have Ruiz as favorite for that fight

My sentiments exactly. I think Ruiz could stop him.

(07-09-2018, 08:01 PM)mippy Wrote: [ -> ]I don't get the hype over Millar. He's not really beaten anyone of note and I reckon his power is over rated. I'd have Ruiz as favorite for that fight

He has much better wins than Ruiz on his record. Both guys are on the fringe of the top 10 and I feel it could go either way. Ruiz has the much quicker handspeed but Miller will keep coming forward, has a high punch output and has a better gas tank than Ruiz despite his size.

What a mismatch. Can Conjau run for 12 rounds? I doubt it

IF cojanu can mess Ortiz around for 8 rounds and do what he did to Parker, then he actually has a chance late. Ortiz basically was allowed to fight at his own pace against Wilder and he was terribly gassed in the round wilder took him out. And i mean he was gasping for air.

Cojanu needs to stay away from ortiz power shots for 8-9 rounds, lean on him, wrestle him, dont even worry about losing a point or even two, and then throw everything at Ortiz when his tank empties.

I migh actually throw 50 on razman.

(07-12-2018, 10:23 PM)Infern0 Wrote: [ -> ]IF cojanu can mess Ortiz around for 8 rounds and do what he did to Parker, then he actually has a chance late. Ortiz basically was allowed to fight at his own pace against Wilder and he was terribly gassed in the round wilder took him out. And i mean he was gasping for air.

Cojanu needs to stay away from ortiz power shots for 8-9 rounds, lean on him, wrestle him, dont even worry about losing a point or even two, and then throw everything at Ortiz when his tank empties.

I migh actually throw 50 on razman.

Brave man.
Isn't the fight only a 10 rounder?