

Former unified heavyweight champion of the world, Andy Ruiz Jr. has been out of action for over 14 months since his defeat at the hands of Anthony Joshua. Now, ‘Destroyer’ will finally return to the ring on April 24. The speedy heavyweight will take on relatively low-profile veteran Chris Arreola on a PPV card.

via Getty
Andy Ruiz Jr at the Public Investment Fund office complex in Riyadh. (Photo by Nick Potts/PA Images via Getty Images)
The news broke out yesterday; however, there is no official announcement. Despite this, there will be a lot of eager eyes watching this fight. Therefore, what do we know about both these fighters?
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Andy Ruiz Jr. vs. Chris Arreola Height and weight
Both pugilists have very different frames, but similar physical attributes. Ruiz Jr. stands at 6-foot 2-inches while possessing a reach of 74 inches. This is almost identical to his opponent Arreola, who comes in at 6-foot 3-inches and has a reach of 76-inches.
The weight of the fighters is difficult to estimate. Ruiz Jr. went into his last fight at a weight of 283 lbs. He faced lots of criticism and subsequently embarked on a body transformation under a new trainer, Eddie Reynoso. Hence, he may even come in lower than the 250 lbs mark on his return to the squared circle.
Arreola weighed in at 244 lbs in his last fight, which is almost 40 lbs less than his opponent’s previous bout. However, this has been a consistent weight for the American over his last few fights. Therefore, if Ruiz Jr. comes in below the 250 lbs mark, both fighters may also weigh-in at similar weights.
Andy Ruiz Jr. vs. Chris Arreola records
Ruiz Jr. comes into the fight with an impressive 33-2-0 record. Moreover, 22 of his victories have come through knockouts, which gives ‘The Destroyer’ a 62.86% knockout rate. Also, his only two defeats have come against world champions, Anthony Joshua and Joseph Parker.

via Getty
NEW YORK, NY – JUNE 01: Andy Ruiz Jr of California during the second round of the World Heavyweight Championship fight on June 1, 2019 at Madison Square Garden in New York, NY. (Photo by Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Arreola’s record stands at a more modest 38-6-1. Furthermore, he has 33 knockouts to his name, which gives him a knockout rate of 70.21% ahead of the fight. Four of his losses have come against world champions in Bermane Stiverne, Deontay Wilder, and Vitali Klitschko.

via Getty
ONTARIO, CA – MARCH 13: Chris Arreola (R) celebrates after defeating Curtis Harper after their 10 round heavyweight bout at Citizens Business Bank Arena March 13, 2015 in Ontario, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
READ: Why is Tyson Fury Called ‘The Gypsy King’?
Other stats you need to know about the fight
Other than the details mentioned above, the two fighters share several other stats. Ruiz Jr. went on an unbeaten streak of 29-fights before his first loss to Parker. While Arreola went undefeated for 27 fights before his first loss to Klitschko.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Arreola has fought for the heavyweight world title thrice, while Ruiz Jr. has boxed twice. However, ‘The Destroyer’ was successful in his second attempt, but Arreola never won a world title.

via Getty
INDIO, CA – SEPTEMBER 7: Chris Arreola (C) celebrates his victory over Seth Mitchell as referee Jack Reiss (R) holds his hand up for the WBC International Heavyweight Title at the Fantasy Springs Resort Casino – Special Events Center on September 7, 2013 in Indio, California. (Photo by Alexis Cuarezma/Getty Images)
Therefore, all these aspects show how close the fight is on paper. Despite this, the defining factor could be the difference in both fighters’ age. Arreola is 39-years-old, while Ruiz Jr. is 31.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
What do you make of this fight? Who do you think wins between Arreola and Ruiz Jr.?
READ: From the Boxing Ring to the Red Carpet – Here’s a Look at Mike Tyson’s Illustrious Movie Career
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT