‘Where is he?’ – Andy Ruiz handed fight advice by ex-trainer who masterminded Anthony Joshua upset

Manny Robles has urged Andy Ruiz to get back into world title contention.

Ruiz worked with Robles as a cornerman for his historic upset victory over Anthony Joshua in 2019, which saw him crowned unified heavyweight champion of the world against all odds.

Unfortunately, the Mexican got caught up in the celebrations and failed to prepare effectively for his rematch against Saudi Arabia. He was therefore eliminated six months later and lost his titles.

The ex-champion has only fought twice since that Middle East showdown, and in an interview with talkSPORT.com, Robles urged Ruiz to return to the top.

“I think he would fight in this mix for the world title in Saudi Arabia,” Robles said. “But where is Andy? That is the question.

“I haven’t spoken to or seen him in years. I have no idea what Andy does in all honesty.

“But he should come back and take advantage of this opportunity that has been given to all heavyweight fighters.

“The opportunity to fight in Saudi Arabia and be in the mix, all these great heavyweight champions going against each other.

“One defeat should not determine a fighter’s career, I don’t think he should be judged on that defeat.”

“For someone like Deontay Wilder who lost his other fight, it looks like he’s fighting Zhang.

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“It’s not losing, it’s how you lose and live to see another day.”

Ruiz made his comeback in a labored points victory over Chris Arreola in May 2021, before dropping Luis Ortiz twice in another points victory a year later in September 2022.

The Mexican was in talks with Deontay Wilder last year over a potential WBC knockout, which would have put him firmly back in world title contention.

But negotiations broke down and the 34-year-old was heavily ruled out despite fights happening more than ever in the division.

He currently has no planned return date, but he would likely be an important figure on the Saudi cards if he wanted to reach new heights in his career.

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