“Like Dealing With a Drug Abuser”- Teddy Atlas on Training Andy Ruiz

Famously stern coach Teddy Atlas has reportedly taken an interest in training the former heavyweight champion Andy Ruiz. However, one thing is certain, the coach who has trained the likes of Michael Moorer and Alexander Povetkin will not be sugar-coating anything for Ruiz.

Andy Ruis is looking to take up a trial period with the American coach. Atlas wants to know how coachable Ruiz is if they are to commit to a two-month-long training camp. In addition to this, Atlas wants to know whether Ruiz is serious about altering his conditioning and dietary habits.

“I haven’t agreed to anything. Other than saying that if you’re serious, you come to New York and you spend a couple days with me. During that time, I would work in the gym, see how coachable you are, get an idea. And a feel for your attitude and ask some very important questions. I think important for you but definitely important for me.”- Teddy Atlas

Atlas feels compatibility between a coach and a fighter is of utmost importance. And the questions that Atlas has for Ruiz will establish the same. For instance, why he wants to continue fighting, what he expects from their time together.

“And I would listen to him. Then I would have a decision to make. And he would have a decision to make, whether or not he could get along with my philosophy, that he could buy into what I would believe.”- Teddy Atlas

Teddy Atlas Expands on the Changes Andy Ruiz Should Make to Improve

Atlas feels Ruiz needs to get out of the comfort zone that he has established for himself in Southern California.

“It’s almost like dealing with a drug abuser. You know, he’s got a problem with eating. And if you had a kid that you were really trying to save from drugs, what would you do?- Teddy Atlas

“You don’t have to be a drug counselor to understand that you’d remove him from the things that are comfortable for him. You remove him from his surroundings. Oh, you don’t want him with his family. Oh, you wanna be a dictator. You wanna call it that, go ahead. You have to do what’s gonna be able to change things.”- Teddy Atlas

Atlas feels it is wrong to blame his former coach for his defeat against Anthony Joshua that came by unanimous-decision. He feels one needs to take up responsibility for their actions. Do you think Atlas will be able to help Ruiz get his act together?