Ali comparison humbles Ruiz
Andy Ruiz is humbled to have his hand speed compared to the late, great Muhammad Ali but is determined to create his own legacy.
Ruiz is promoted by Bob Arum, the genial American who was Ali’s first promoter and was in charge of 26 of his fights at a time when he ruled the heavyweight world.
Arum has repeatedly said he believes the 27-year-old Ruiz has the fastest hands he has seen on a heavyweight since Ali.
It’s an area where Joseph Parker rates himself too and who can be the fastest with their hands on Saturday night will be hugely influential to who wins the WBO belt that is on the line.
Ruiz says he has many heros, Ali amongst them. But he is driven by a goal that will help him claim his own fame in this tough game.
‘‘I respect Muhammad Ali ... he was the greatest, he was the best,’’ Ruiz said in Auckland as he went through a light training workout and then faced a large media contingent. ’’I admire him, Mike Tyson, [Evander] Holyfield.
‘‘All I want to do is be like one of them, you know. I want that legacy, that name ... and to be the first Mexican heavyweight champion of the world. On December 10, that is going to happen.’’
Ruiz and Parker share other traits as well. Trash talk isn’t part of their language. Being humble and respectful is. Ruiz has played that line in the buildup to this fight, speaking highly of Parker while training in California and repeating it since arriving in Auckland last Sunday.
‘‘I’m not the kind of guy that likes to talk shit, or anything like that,’’ Ruiz said.
‘‘At the end of the day it’s our business to promote the fight however possible. But I don’t have nothing against him, he doesn’t have nothing against me and December 10, best man wins.’’
With both fighters unbeaten – Ruiz is 29-0 and Parker is 21-0 – and steeping up to the biggest opportunity of their careers, there will be mixed emotions when the fight is decided.
‘‘It’s going to be a battle ... one ‘0’ got to go,’’ smiled Ruiz mischievously.