Andy Ruiz Jnr's boxing comeback is delayed until 2024 as the former heavyweight champion undergoes surgery - but The Destroyer is already back in the gym 'feeling good, feeling blessed'

For those still waiting for the return to action of Andy Ruiz Jnr, prepare for even further delay, with the former heavyweight world champion now out until at least the new year.

The American-born Mexican became the first heavyweight of Mexican heritage to become a unified heavyweight champion when he won the WBO, IBF, IBO and WBA belts off Anthony Joshua in 2019.

He only held them for six months, though, with the British boxing star bouncing back from a shock first professional defeat to win his belts back in Saudi Arabia in December the same year.

And although he has fought just twice since then, Ruiz insisted that next year would bring about a change in prospects for the 34-year-old, who claimed that 2024 was going to be his year.

‘I just got done working now, five days out of my surgery and we’re back in the gym feeling good, feeling blessed,’ he said in an Instagram video.

Andy Ruiz Jnr (left) has only fought twice since Anthony Joshua won back his heavyweight belts

Having beaten Joshua first time round he became the first heavyweight world champion of Mexican heritage

‘Can’t wait to get back in the ring – 2024 is going to be my year baby, my year remember that!

‘Had a little minor setback for a major comeback but now we’re coming let’s get it!’

Since his double-header with Joshua, Ruiz has managed back-to-back wins on points against Chris Arreola and Luis Ortiz.

However, he will be unlikely to draw the blockbuster clashes he was capable of back in 2019, given his prolonged inactivity.

Reports circulated that Ruiz had been calling out Deontay Wilder, with nothing materialising as a believed result of the 34-year-old asking for too much money, according to the former WBC champion’s trainer Malik Scott.

Ruiz’s popularity plummet has resulted in speculation that he might be nearing the end of his boxing career.

Having pocketed a reported £8.23million ($10m) from facing Joshua, he has fought just twice and as such will not be able to command anywhere near as large a fee to step into the ring.