Abel Sanchez, Andy Ruiz Jr.’s former trainer, painted a clear portrait of the challenge Eddy Reynoso faces.
Reynoso, the longtime mentor of Canelo Alvarez, has agreed to work with the former heavyweight titleholder.
Ruiz stunned the boxing world by stopping Anthony Joshua to win three belts last June but, ill-prepared for the rematch six months later, he lost a wide decision. The latter fight raised questions about Ruiz’s dedication to the sport.
Sanchez was in Ruiz’s corner when the Mexican-American lost a close decision to Joseph Parker. Manny Robles worked with him for the Joshua fights.
“Eddy Reynoso must keep him in the gym, make him work and get rid of the baggage (read: enablers) around him,” Sanchez told Sky Sports. “Andy must listen. Eddy is a heck of a coach, one of the best in boxing right now.”
He went on: “”I’m not there to baby sit, I am there to coach and develop you if you are willing to listen. You can’t develop someone who doesn’t want to try anything. It was difficult for me because I don’t like laziness. We work too hard. I have too many people here working their butts off. To have one person get away with things that nobody else can? That’s not proper.
“He doesn’t look like a prototypical heavyweight but he has a lot of ability, unbelievable ability. He lacks in desire. He doesn’t want to do things. He finds an excuse not to do something. That’s a shame because he could do great things.”
Sanchez’s comments were similar to those Robles made to Sky Sports earlier.
“My job is not to call him every day,” Robles said. “He’s a man, not a kid, and must be treated as such. You can’t convince someone to want something. The fame and money has been overwhelming for Andy.
“He’s got to know how to handle it. Maybe after this defeat, the game has humbled him.”
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