10-25-2016, 10:53 AM
Andy Ruiz believes he can expose Joseph Parker's dislike for pressure
Andy Ruiz claims Joseph Parker doesn't know how to fight going backwards and intends to expose that in their WBO heavyweight title fight.
Both fighters are in camp in the United States preparing for their looming showdown though a time and date remain uncertain.
Parker's handlers at Duco Events have rights to stage the fight in Auckland on December 10 but are struggling to tie down the huge financial commitment involved at such short notice.
That has raised the strong likelihood that the fight will be transferred to the United States with Ruiz's promoter Bob Arum keen to cash in on his fighter's Hispanic heritage and popularity as Mexico looks to land its first world heavyweight champion.
Regardless of the fight venue, the 29-year-old Ruiz believes he has the style to beat Parker.
"The main thing for me is to use my speed and be aggressive. I don't think he likes the pressure. I don't think he knows how to fight going backwards good," Ruiz told Fightnews.com after he and his trainer Abel Sanchez had reviewed footage of fight's from Parker's unbeaten run over 21 fights.
Ruiz has promised to get in shape for this massive opportunity. A fighter with notorious weight battles, Ruiz has already been training for a week at altitude at Big Bear in California.
"I hope he thinks I'm going to get tired like I did in my last fight (Franklin Lawrence) because I wasn't prepared for that fight," Ruiz, who is unbeaten over 29 fights with 19 knockouts, said.
He continued to offer his fight strategy, saying: "I'm going to be smart and hit the body. When I sparred (Parker) I was counter-punching so you will see a lot of that."
Parker won't be worried by this brash talk. He revels in having opponents come forward, believing it opens up attacking opportunities for him.
Parker's trainer Kevin Barry said one of the main attractions for them to go down the WBO route rather than hold out for their mandatory shot against IBF world champion Anthony Joshua, was the style that Ruiz brings to the ring.
Barry, while acknowledging Ruiz's experience, speed and power, felt he was a good match for Parker.
Sanchez and Arum have been particularly talking up the speed of Ruiz, suggesting he has "the fastest hands in the west". But hand speed is also a major asset of Parker and to hear the Ruiz camp criticising the Kiwi as being slow is surprising.
It adds intrigue to the match-up where Parker will enjoy a slight height and reach advantage.
Duco have given themselves till early next week to try to tie down the Auckland deal though boss Dean Lonergan rates their chances of success at "20 to 30 per cent".
A shift to the United States would represent a major move in momentum towards Ruiz, giving him home advantage, especially if massive support can be mobilised.
- Stuff
Andy Ruiz claims Joseph Parker doesn't know how to fight going backwards and intends to expose that in their WBO heavyweight title fight.
Both fighters are in camp in the United States preparing for their looming showdown though a time and date remain uncertain.
Parker's handlers at Duco Events have rights to stage the fight in Auckland on December 10 but are struggling to tie down the huge financial commitment involved at such short notice.
That has raised the strong likelihood that the fight will be transferred to the United States with Ruiz's promoter Bob Arum keen to cash in on his fighter's Hispanic heritage and popularity as Mexico looks to land its first world heavyweight champion.
Regardless of the fight venue, the 29-year-old Ruiz believes he has the style to beat Parker.
"The main thing for me is to use my speed and be aggressive. I don't think he likes the pressure. I don't think he knows how to fight going backwards good," Ruiz told Fightnews.com after he and his trainer Abel Sanchez had reviewed footage of fight's from Parker's unbeaten run over 21 fights.
Ruiz has promised to get in shape for this massive opportunity. A fighter with notorious weight battles, Ruiz has already been training for a week at altitude at Big Bear in California.
"I hope he thinks I'm going to get tired like I did in my last fight (Franklin Lawrence) because I wasn't prepared for that fight," Ruiz, who is unbeaten over 29 fights with 19 knockouts, said.
He continued to offer his fight strategy, saying: "I'm going to be smart and hit the body. When I sparred (Parker) I was counter-punching so you will see a lot of that."
Parker won't be worried by this brash talk. He revels in having opponents come forward, believing it opens up attacking opportunities for him.
Parker's trainer Kevin Barry said one of the main attractions for them to go down the WBO route rather than hold out for their mandatory shot against IBF world champion Anthony Joshua, was the style that Ruiz brings to the ring.
Barry, while acknowledging Ruiz's experience, speed and power, felt he was a good match for Parker.
Sanchez and Arum have been particularly talking up the speed of Ruiz, suggesting he has "the fastest hands in the west". But hand speed is also a major asset of Parker and to hear the Ruiz camp criticising the Kiwi as being slow is surprising.
It adds intrigue to the match-up where Parker will enjoy a slight height and reach advantage.
Duco have given themselves till early next week to try to tie down the Auckland deal though boss Dean Lonergan rates their chances of success at "20 to 30 per cent".
A shift to the United States would represent a major move in momentum towards Ruiz, giving him home advantage, especially if massive support can be mobilised.
- Stuff