Sports

Andy Ruiz promised better fight next time shortly after losing to Joshua - Trainer

Tuesday, December 31, 2019 at 3:47 PM by Akan Anwankwo

Andy Ruiz promised his trainer he would take things more serious in his next fight shortly after losing his rematch to Anthony Joshua.

The Mexican heavyweight who shocked the world by knocking out Joshua in June lost almost every round in their rematch in Saudi Arabia.

But his trainer Manny Robles has come out in strong defence of the Destroyer that he will be more committed and work harder in his next fight.

Reports claimed that the 30-year-old has split with his trainer but Robles has dismissed the speculation.

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"Don't believe everything you hear," Robles told Bad Left Hook.

"I spoke to him the day after the fight, he said he would work harder and be more committed next time. I spoke to Ruiz Sr on a couple of occasions.

"His dad is looking for a new fight date and opponent as well. Not only myself but also his dad are giving him the time and space to reflect and think about his career. It's the holiday season and I'm sure he's spending time with his kids and family."

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Boxing legend Evander Holyfield believes the Mexican-American can become a world champion again after turning up overweight for the rematch against Joshua.

"Of course, it's possible. Joshua became champion again, right?" The 57-year-old former world champion said. "He made an adjustment. People who make adjustments, their chances are still good. He's young, and he has the chance to still do it.

"He made some bad choices," he added. "When you make bad choices, you gotta be accountable. If you're accountable, you can make adjustments.

"Go back to the work plan. Do what your daddy told you to do. All these years he's been right. What makes you think he's going to be wrong?"

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Meanwhile, Legit.ng had earlier reported that Anthony Joshua will have to relinquish his WBA, WBO and IBF belts in order to fight the winner of Tyson Fury versus Deontay Wilder, according to promoter Frank Warren.