In a highly anticipated clash, former heavyweight champion Andy Ruiz Jr. and contender Jarrell "Big Baby" Miller fought to a 12-round majority draw, leaving fans and pundits with plenty to discuss. The bout, held at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles on August 3, 2024, served as a key event on the undercard of the Terence Crawford vs. Israil Madrimov fight.
Fight Recap
The fight was a back-and-forth affair, with both fighters having their moments. Andy Ruiz Jr., known for his quick hands and effective counterpunching, managed to land several significant blows throughout the match. His strategy focused on utilizing his quick counterpunches and overhand rights, which have been his trademark moves since his historic win over Anthony Joshua in 2019 (DAZN | Live & On-Demand Sports Streaming) (champinon.info).
Jarrell Miller, on the other hand, came into the fight looking to redeem himself after a TKO loss to Daniel Dubois in December 2023. Miller used his height and reach advantage effectively, establishing his jab early in the fight and keeping his guard high and tight to absorb Ruiz's attacks. Miller's weight loss seemed to have paid off, as he was able to flick out his jab more fluidly and maintain a higher work rate throughout the bout (DAZN | Live & On-Demand Sports Streaming).
Judges' Decision
The judges scored the fight 114-114, 115-113 for Ruiz, and 114-114, resulting in a majority draw. The decision was met with mixed reactions from the audience, as some felt Ruiz had done enough to edge out a victory, while others believed Miller's consistent aggression and control of the ring warranted a win.
Post-Fight Reactions
Both fighters expressed respect for each other in their post-fight interviews. Ruiz acknowledged Miller's toughness and expressed a desire for a rematch to settle the score definitively. Miller, similarly, praised Ruiz's skills and indicated he would be open to another bout to prove he can come out on top (Covers.com) (champinon.info).
What's Next?
The draw leaves both fighters at a crossroads in their careers. Ruiz, with his record now standing at 35-2-1, will look to regain momentum and aim for another title shot. Miller, whose record is now 26-1-2, will aim to continue his comeback trail and solidify his position in the heavyweight rankings.
For boxing fans, this fight was a reminder of the unpredictability and excitement of the sport. A potential rematch between Ruiz and Miller would undoubtedly draw significant interest and could serve as another thrilling chapter in their respective careers.