Boxing
ANDY RUIZ OPENS UP ON HIS HIDDEN BOXING CAREER
RIYADH: Andy Ruiz has spent his entire life in boxing as an outsider. “Six years old,” the Mexican-American fighter replied when asked about his first time stepping into the ring.
“My first amateur fight I was 7 years old. That was in San Diego, California. And I lost, too. I was 7 years old weighing more than all the other 7-year-olds, so my dad had brought this other guy who was 12 years old because he was bigger. It was a hell of a fight, and I actually still have that videotape,” said Ruiz, now 30.
“My whole life I’ve been fighting big guys. I feel that’s where I got the experience, and I just thank my dad for always pushing me,” he said.
“Even when I didn’t want to box anymore, he’d drag me out of my room to train, saying, ‘you’re going to do something.’ That’s exactly what has happened,” he said.
“My dad had confidence in me since I was a little kid. He’d always tell me, ‘You know what? You’re going to beat him’,” Ruiz added.
“The main thing he’d tell me was not to be scared … because we’re all the same, all flesh and blood. Just go in there fearless, do what I do best, and let my hands go.”
To say Ruiz was considered the underdog going into June’s heavyweight world title fight against the poster-boy of modern boxing, Anthony Joshua, would be a fair assessment.
Ruiz had had a month’s notice, had fought less than a month and a half earlier, and was viewed by many as unfit and out of shape.
As the world would later find out, such narrow-eyed judgment of his shape and build was flawed.
While the great and good of the boxing world questioned what errors had led to the ripped, 1.98-meter-tall Joshua being beaten in the seventh round by a “tubby” fighter almost 20 cm shorter, Ruiz was celebrating a job incredibly well done.
“I think those were the doubters wondering, ‘what has happened to Anthony Joshua? There’s something wrong with him’,” said Ruiz.
“But truly I think it was my style, the way I handled him, and that I took his punches. He gave me the hardest punches he has and I ate them,” he added.
“We watched it a lot (since) to correct the mistakes I did and see the things I needed to do more,” Ruiz said.
“I think I lacked the pressure. The fight could’ve been over sooner, but I think I let it slide a little bit,” he added.
“They (people) look at me now and are like, ‘man, if Andy Ruiz did it, I could do it.’ I’ve got to motivate people and let them know that everything is possible, but you’ve got to train hard, you’ve got to work hard.”
This weekend, the two men go toe-to-toe again in the eagerly awaited “Clash On The Dunes,” presented by the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF) and taking place in Diriyah near Riyadh.
Fan demand is huge, forcing fight organizers to release this week another phase of tickets, starting at SR999 ($266).
Fight week usually pops and crackles with insults traded and rising tensions between the fighters.
But the buildup to the jewel in the crown of the first-ever Diriyah Season festival has again proven how this boxing maverick moves differently than many of the biggest names in the sport, past and present.
“I don’t think there’s a reason to be trash-talking each other. I know that’s what the fans and everybody else want to see, but that’s not how my mum raised me,” said Ruiz.
“I think I’m a different fighter from everybody else. I have respect for all the fighters. If I saw AJ (Joshua) right now I’d shake his hand and tell him, ‘How you doing? Good luck for Dec. 7 — best man wins’.”
Many hearing Ruiz say that might wonder how a boxer preparing to, in his own words, “go to war” with his opponent in only a few days’ time can be so jovial and warm toward his rival ahead of the biggest fight of his career. It is certainly a unique stance, but so is Ruiz.
June’s fight earned him a rumored $7 million. For Saturday’s rematch he will earn a lot more. Do the niceties toward Joshua derive from the fact that the big-reaching Brit changed Ruiz’s life, making him an overnight multimillionaire when they first met?
“Exactly,” was Ruiz’s quick response. “I respect the guy. I respect any fighter who jumps in the ring because we all risk our lives to feed our families. This is our job. Of course I respect the man.”
Since that night in New York’s Madison Square Garden, everything has changed for Ruiz. He has vast wealth, and is having to adapt to his newfound global celebrity.
Asked how life has been treating him since then, he said: “Really well, a bit overwhelming at times but this is what I dreamed for, this is what I’ve been working hard for, this is what I’ve been training for since I was 6 years old.”
He added: “It’s not just great for me but it’s great for my family, my kids. Our whole lives have changed after June 1.”
His craziest big-money buys since then? “Probably all the cars I’ve bought. Four cars already. Two different (Mercedes) G-Wagons, the brand-new Rolls Royce, the Lamborghini truck. I bought my mum and dad a truck. Just having fun.”
Fun is fun, and even so close to such an epic boxing occasion, Ruiz manages to laugh and share a joke with those around him.
He and Joshua both arrived in Saudi Arabia last week, with the American’s 8,000-mile trip definitely the more arduous of the two.
Asked how he plans to beat Joshua for the second time in seven months, Ruiz said: “I know he’s going to try and be boxing me around. I think that’s why he lost some weight, trying to keep me out with the jab, and that’s exactly what we’ve been practicing.”
He added: “That’s how we’re planning and exactly how we’ve been training: Being small, being more slick, owning the pressure, throwing the combinations, me being first.”
Ruiz said: “I think he’s still going to be boxing around four or five rounds until I bring the pressure and start working the body.”
-ArabNews
Nigerian-born Irish boxer Daniel Fakoyede has declared his ambition to conquer the global heavyweight boxing scene after making an explosive professional debut in Dublin.
The 27-year-old fighter, who competes in the Super Heavyweight category, announced his arrival in the paid ranks with a first-round knockout victory over Polish opponent Mateusz Rybarski at the National Stadium, Dublin — a bout that lasted just 72 seconds.
Born on March 17, 1998, in Port Harcourt, Nigeria, Fakoyede moved with his family to Ireland in October 2000, where he grew up in Dublin. Now representing Ireland, he has a professional record of 10 bouts, with seven wins coming by knockout, reflecting a KO rate of over 57 percent.
Speaking about his journey, Fakoyede said his love for boxing began as a teenager, inspired by former world champion Anthony Joshua, whose success and charisma motivated him to pursue the sport seriously.
“I wanted to win the love and respect of people just as Anthony Joshua did through his boxing and likeable character,” he said.
Fakoyede began his boxing career in October 2019 under head coach Frank Stacey at the Westside Boxing Club, where he honed his skills as an amateur. After amassing an amateur record of 7 wins and 3 losses, with a knockout ratio of 71 percent, he transitioned into professional boxing in 2024.
To prepare for the professional circuit, Fakoyede joined Unit 3 Boxing Gym under coach Niall Barrett, before signing a management deal in May 2025 with Sheer Sports Management, headed by former Irish professional boxer Jason Quigley.
Now based in Dublin, Fakoyede says his goal extends beyond personal success. He hopes to inspire a new generation of athletes from immigrant backgrounds whose parents may be hesitant about boxing.
“I want to create opportunities for those coming after me who come from immigrant families like mine,” he explained. “Many parents are skeptical about boxing, but the sport teaches structure, discipline, and self-control.”
He also emphasized the mental and emotional discipline required to excel in boxing.
“Boxing isn’t about anger or violence,” he said. “It’s about dedication, discipline, perseverance, and intelligence. An angry, wild boxer won’t go far, but one with a cool head and a great work ethic will.”
Fakoyede credits boxing with giving him focus and direction during his youth, encouraging parents to let energetic children channel their drive into sports.
“Boxing gave me structure and kept me disciplined during my tumultuous days growing up,” he reflected.
With his powerful knockout debut and a growing reputation in Ireland’s boxing circuit, Daniel Fakoyede is now setting his sights on climbing the heavyweight ladder — determined to make both Nigeria and Ireland proud.
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BY KUNLE SOLAJA.
For over a decade, Bet9ja has extended its reach beyond sports betting to touch real lives through the Bet9ja Foundation, a platform dedicated to empowerment, education, and youth development.
At the heart of its mission is a belief that talent is universal, but opportunity is not — and that Nigerian youth deserve access to both.
Key initiatives include:
- Sports Infrastructure Renewal: Through strategic partnerships, Bet9ja has supported the renovation of local sporting facilities — from football fields to boxing gyms — providing safe spaces where young Nigerians can train, dream, and compete.
- Scholarships and Skill Development: The Foundation offers scholarships and vocational training programs aimed at equipping youths with tools for self-reliance, whether in sports, technology, or entrepreneurship.
- Grassroots Sports Talent Hunt: Partnering with schools and local councils, Bet9ja scouts and supports emerging athletes, offering mentorship, exposure, and funding to help them reach professional levels.
- Community Uplift Projects: From orphanage donations to environmental clean-ups and women’s empowerment programs, Bet9ja continues to use its platform to strengthen communities nationwide.
The Itauma partnership is the latest chapter in this vision — combining global inspiration with local action. As Mrs. Olatunji put it, “We’re not just betting on sport. We’re betting on Nigeria’s future.”
The Naija Power in His Punch
Though raised in Europe, Itauma never shies away from his Nigerian roots. He says the “Naija power” fuels him in every bout. “The Naija power definitely helps me during a fight,” he said with a smile. “There are a lot of fighters around the world who are Nigerian — you can feel that strength. It’s in the blood.”
Indeed, from Anthony Joshua to Efe Ajagba, Nigerian fighters have become a global force in heavyweight boxing. But Itauma is determined to carve his own lane.
“I respect those who came before me,” he said. “But I don’t want to be ‘the next someone’. I want to be me. That’s what I’m trying to say — I want to be Moses Itauma.”
That identity, both personal and cultural, is what this homecoming celebrates. A young man shaped by three continents — Europe, Africa, and the wider sporting world — is learning that his greatest power may lie not just in his fists, but in his story.
Dreaming of a Nigerian Fight Night
For fans, the question is inevitable: will Moses ever fight on Nigerian soil?
His response was instant: “Of course. That’s something we’ve been speaking about. Having fights here in Nigeria — that’s a dream. There’s so much talent here, and the atmosphere would be incredible.”
If realised, it could be a watershed moment — a globally broadcast fight night in Lagos, headlined by a young star returning home, uniting a nation through sport. For Bet9ja, that’s precisely the kind of vision they hope to help materialise.
Rediscovering Heritage, Reclaiming Identity
For all the bright lights and brand partnerships, Itauma’s reflections remain deeply personal. Growing up in Europe, he often felt a quiet distance from his roots.
“Growing up in Slovakia, then in the United Kingdom, I never really had that relationship with Nigeria,” he admitted. “When this opportunity came along, I thought — this is the right time. The right moment to discover my roots. It’s been a long time since I came to Nigeria, and one of the main reasons I’m here is to reconnect 100% with my heritage.”
That reconnection — emotional, cultural, and symbolic — is at the core of his visit.
It’s not unusual for children of the diaspora to wrestle with questions of belonging. But for Itauma, the answer now feels clear: he belongs everywhere Nigeria’s spirit thrives.
Beyond Boxing: The Bigger Picture
For Bet9ja, Itauma’s story is a mirror reflecting what’s possible when Nigerian talent is nurtured and celebrated. The partnership speaks to a larger mission — one that goes beyond sponsorships to social investment and youth empowerment.
By linking a world-class athlete with local initiatives, Bet9ja hopes to ignite a chain reaction — inspiring young Nigerians to dream boldly, while giving them platforms to act on those dreams.
Born to Win, Bred Naija Style
As the Lagos skyline glows into evening and Itauma continues his homecoming tour, his words linger: “This is more than a visit.”
Indeed, it is. It’s a reminder that victory isn’t only measured by belts or scorecards — but by roots rediscovered, bridges rebuilt, and dreams reignited.
For Moses Itauma, Born to Win is more than a motto. It’s the story of a fighter whose heart beats to the rhythm of home — strong, fearless, and forever Naija style.
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Heavyweight boxing prospect Moses Itauma has returned to Nigeria in partnership with Bet9ja, marking an important homecoming that connects his international career with his Nigerian heritage.
At just 20 years of age, Itauma has already gained recognition as one of the most exciting prospects in world boxing. His visit is designed not only to reconnect him with his roots but also to inspire young Nigerians, support grassroots sports, and highlight the role of Nigerian heritage in global sport.
Bet9ja, Nigeria’s leading sports betting brand, is at the centre of this partnership, emphasising its commitment to the development of talent and the celebration of Nigerian excellence.
Mrs Jennifer Olatunji, Senior Marketing Manager at Bet9ja, said: “Moses carries Africa in his heart and Nigeria in his DNA. Through this partnership, we’re celebrating not just his boxing career, but the unstoppable Nigerian spirit.”
Speaking at a media session in Lagos, Itauma reflected on the significance of returning home.
“This is more than a visit – it’s a chance to celebrate where I come from, to stand with my people, and to show the world what it means to be Born to Win. Bred Naija Style,” he said.
Itauma, who was born in Slovakia to Nigerian parents and raised in the UK, explained that the trip offered an opportunity to learn more about his heritage. “The journey so far hasn’t been a long one to be honest, obviously I’m only 20 years old, but I’m forever staying curious, I’m forever learning. Every city, every country I go to, I always learn something different. Coming here, I’m just glad to learn about the culture, my culture, and gain experience too.”
As part of the partnership, Itauma will engage in a series of cultural and sporting activities throughout the week. A key highlight will be a visit to a Lagos boxing facility, where he will meet young athletes. Plans are also underway to renovate and reopen a local boxing gym in collaboration with the Bet9ja Foundation, creating opportunities for grassroots talent to train and develop.
“The partnership is not just about sending a message but about being hands-on with the development of young athletes. Nigeria is full of untapped potential, and it’s about executing real opportunities for the next generation,” Itauma explained.
When asked about Nigeria’s long-standing reputation for producing elite fighters, Itauma acknowledged the strength of his background. “The Naija power definitely helps me during a fight. There are a lot of fighters around the world that obviously are Nigerian,” he said.
Referencing boxers like Anthony Joshua and others with Nigerian roots, Itauma stressed the importance of creating his own identity. “I want to be a person, not someone else. That’s what I’m trying to say.”
With a record of fast knockouts early in his professional career, questions were raised about when Itauma might step up to challenge the top heavyweights. He responded with patience.
“My job is just to get in the ring and fight. Everything that’s outside the ring, making fights happen, that’s down to the team. I still have a lot of time on my hands.”
On the possibility of fighting in Nigeria, Itauma was enthusiastic. “Of course. That’s something we’ve been speaking about. Having fights here in Nigeria. There’s a lot of talent here,” he confirmed.
Itauma also explained why the Bet9ja partnership was significant to him personally. “Growing up in Slovakia, then in the United Kingdom, I never really had that relationship with Nigeria. When this came along, I said, It’s a good time to discover my roots. It’s been a long time since I came to Nigeria, and one of the main reasons for me 100% discover my heritage.”
The homecoming marks more than just a symbolic return. It blends sports, culture, and community engagement, with Bet9ja positioning itself as a partner in unlocking opportunities for young Nigerians through sports.
As Itauma continues to rise in international boxing, his commitment to his Nigerian roots and the potential of the country’s youth remain central to his journey.
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