Evander Holyfield has touted Andy Ruiz Jr to rise again after losing his heavyweight belts to Anthony Joshua in their rematch earlier this month.
The Mexican-American shocked the boxing world when he defeated Joshua in the seventh round to claim the IBF, WBO, and IBO heavyweight titles in June.
On Joshua’s debut in the United States, he took on Ruiz Jr – who only stepped in after Jarrell Miller was ruled out after being caught doping.
No-one gave Ruiz a chance in hell but a ferocious third round changed the whole fight when he landed a sweet shot on Joshua’s temple.
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It caused the Watford-born star to lose control of his legs and throughout the bout he looked wobbly – eventually losing in the event round via technical knockout.
And it made Ruiz a superstar – but the high life did not last long after Joshua reclaimed his belts with a boxing lesson in their rematch in December.
But boxing legend Holyfield reckons his compatriot will became a champion once again.
The 57 year-old former world champion said: “Of course, it’s possible. JoshuaE became champion again, right?
“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.”
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Ruiz admitted that he had partied too hard after his monumental victory and came into the rematch 15lbs heavier than the first bout at 20st 3lbs.
“He made some bad choices,” Holyfield 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?”
