Conversations with Angel Ruiz

Today we’d like to introduce you to Angel Ruiz.

Hi Angel, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I am a professional boxer who moved to Los Angeles in 2017 from Tijuana, Mexico.

In Mexico, after graduating from High School I focussed solely on my professional boxing career.

I had some family in Los Angeles and I always knew that California was one of the best places in the world to develop as a professional boxer, due to the great gyms and coaching in the state – so it was natural for me to make the move.

It was not without its challenges, because I came here to with very little and I couldn’t speak any English. I also didn’t have any friends here, so I was truly a fish out of water when I arrived.

The community in LA was very welcoming to me, and it helped having many people around who also had Mexican roots.

I joined a great gym shortly after I arrived, worked with some great coaches and ultimately started learning English and making friends. I am now a proud American citizen, and look back on it as one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.

Irrespective of all of this, you can take the boy out of Mexico….but you can never take Mexico out of the boy – I will always be very proud of where I came from.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
There were many struggles and there are still struggles.

Learning a new language is really hard as an adult. Adapting to cultural differences and not knowing where you fit is also incredibly challenging.

Additionally, trying to make money – especially in the sport of boxing is incredibly hard.

Unfortunately it is an industry where some of the people are just looking to take advantage of you – but you learn with time, who truly has your back and who just wants to come a long for the ride when you have some success.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a professional boxer and have been boxing all my life.

I am also a boxing coach and gym instructor as I have always been extremely passionate about health and fitness.

I have also started doing some security work but ultimately my goal is to finish my boxing career on a high note over the next few years – and the. focus on some new projects.

I am most proud of some of my boxing achievements – including an emphatic victory over a former world champion a few years ago.

We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
Success for me isn’t about championships or belts.

Success is turning up every day even when things are hard.

Success is continuing to learn new things in this journey of life. My manager once told me that the day we stop learning is the day we die – and I truly believe in that.

Success is being a good son, a good brother, a good partner and most recently a good dad. This is something I know I have to keep working on every single day as nobody is perfect.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: angelruizboxing