Ruiz insists title riches will not diminish hunger

Andy Ruiz Jnr has denied accusations that he has gone soft after enjoying the luxuries that came with claiming Anthony Joshua’s three heavyweight world title belts.

As the pair prepare to meet again in Saudi Arabia on Dec 7, Ruiz said the riches he had enjoyed were “just material things” and that he was properly focused on retaining the titles.

Dismissing Joshua’s assessment that the third-round knock-down in June was “a lucky shot”, Ruiz said: “Anthony said it was a ‘shot from the gods’ and I agree – it was a shot of the gods because I have been praying and wishing for that opportunity for a long time. I’m confident about the rematch, but I don’t underestimate any fighter. AJ’S going to come stronger but inside the gym, like Mike Tyson says, everyone has a plan until they get hit.

“I’m sure everybody was trying to look for an excuse and reason why he didn’t perform and why he lost. I think it was down to the style. I knew his style was perfect for me and I plan to do the same thing.”

Joshua came under fire yesterday for refusing to take a stance on Saudi Arabia’s human rights record, saying: “I feel like I stand in the middle and I feel like boxing is just trying to open up the barriers for people to travel and see it.”

Ruiz, meanwhile, insisted the necklaces, watches, cars and new million-dollar home he had bought for his family, were “just material stuff”. “What I really want is a legacy, not just 15 minutes of fame. The main thing is that I remain humble, stay disciplined, stay training and continue to be champion.”

Having accepted an invitation to meet Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, the president of Mexico, at his official residence – as the country’s first world heavyweight champion – the 29-year-old is also enjoying being a totemic figure for his fellow Mexican-americans.

“Ever since I won the world title I’ve been having so much love from my people, from a lot of different people,” he said. “This is something new for me, but I don’t want to give it away. I want to train hard.

“Meeting the Mexican president was amazing. It meant a lot. People asked me if I wanted to visit the White House, but I said I wanted to visit the Mexican White House. It was a beautiful experience.”