Andy Ruiz Jr. Admits Getting Jealous When Chris Arreola Fought for World Titles

Mexican heavyweights- Andy Ruiz Jr. and Chris Arreola are former training partners, who will look forward to beating each other in their upcoming fight on May 1. While they still share a mutual respect for each other, there’s also a sense of competition, and Ruiz Jr. has recently given some interesting insights into their relationship from the past.

The first-ever Mexican heavyweight champion revealed how he was afraid of losing the tag to Chris Arreola when ‘The Nightmare’ competed for the championship bouts. Although Andy Ruiz Jr. was on Arreola’s corner, he was still afraid to see his teammate win.

Speaking with Fight Hype, ‘The Destroyer’ said, “Every time he (Chris Arreola) would fight and fight for the world title, I was like scared. I was like, no man, I want to be the first heavyweight Mexican champion. Please, I hope he is not watching. But I was like, man, I want to be the first Mexican heavyweight champion.”

Read More | Dillian Whyte’s Diet: How Does ‘The Body Snatcher’ Fuel His Body?

That said, Ruiz Jr.’s wish came true as Arreola failed to capture the world heavyweight titles twice. In 2014, Bermane Stiverne knocked out Arreola to defend the WBC title. Two years later, Deontay Wilder handed him another defeat for the same belt. So, Arreola will try to revive himself once again by surpassing Andy Ruiz Jr. in a few weeks.

Andy Ruiz Jr. vs Chris Arreola- More depth to the heavyweight fight

Amid all the tactics and statements, Ruiz Jr. has never lost his love for Chris Arreola. He still hails his former teammate and acknowledges all the achievements he has made.

‘Destroyer’ continued, “I always have respect for him you know because he went up to that level as well. But thanks to God that I became the first-ever Mexican heavyweight champion and you know this is just the beginning.”

Andy Ruiz Jr. became the first Mexican heavyweight champion by knocking out Anthony Joshua in 2019. It was a historic upset in the sport’s history that threw Ruiz Jr. into the spotlight. Unfortunately, he lost the titles in a rematch and hasn’t fought since then.

As ‘Destroyer’ eyes a return against Arreola next, both the heavyweight champions will try to advance themselves in the current championship ride.

What do you make of Andy Ruiz Jr.’s comments? Do you think they will factor into his bout against Chris Arreola?

Read More | Tony Bellew, Teddy Atlas, and Other Boxing Pros React to Dillian Whyte’s Brutal KO of Alexander Povetkin