LOS ANGELES – Boxing fans are familiar with the infamous Rumble in the Jungle and the Thrilla in Manila, which are iconic fights in boxing history. Now they are preparing for The Clash on the Dunes.

Andy Ruiz Jr., known by many as the Mexican Rocky, is the defending Heavy Weight Champion of the World. The SoCal native is passionately preparing for his rematch with Anthony Joshua, this time, in Saudi Arabia.

“The only thing that we’re doing is just training hard, staying in shape, and getting a lot of conditioning, so for this we’re going to be doing the same thing, a lot more conditioning and just letting my hands go. I think that’s the main thing,” said Ruiz.

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It was his fast hands that surprised spectators back in June. His victorious fight over the summer shocked the world. The boxing community underestimated Ruiz due to his weight and experience.

Despite the continued negativity and even fat-shaming from critics, The Destroyer is focused on proving his doubters wrong again. He has lost 10 pounds since his first fight, and is implementing surprise combos along with increased speed.

“Just thinking that Anthony Joshua is training so hard so that’s why I have to train even harder. Because I know he’s going to come. And the main thing is I know I need to come harder. And do the same thing I did June 1, on December 7,” Ruiz said.

As for his loyal fans, December 7, couldn’t come sooner. The community event in San Diego at the Boxing Club attracted long lines for a chance to get a photo with the champion, but what will the turnout be in Saudi Arabia?

Ruiz says many supporters have already committed to attending, but even he was a bit surprised when he heard the fight would take place in Saudi Arabia. It’s the first time the Middle East as a region is hosting a heavyweight championship fight.

“I was a little shocked you know I thought I was going to be in New York City, I would have loved to run it back over there. But when we went to Saudi Arabia it’s just a beautiful country. It’s really nice out there and people are so nice as well. The arena is going to be so amazing and so big. They are still under construction right now,” Ruiz said.

While the stadium is under construction in Saudi Arabia, the champion is under construction in SoCal. His focus on balancing his mind body and spirit is keeping him positive and hopeful.

“I don’t think I have all the full pressure on me right now just like I didn’t have it on June 1, so I think he’s the one that has to prove more. So I just got to do what I got to do and let my hands go and win December 7,” said Ruiz.