Andy Ruiz vs. Tor Hamer: Fight Time, Date, TV Info and More

A heavyweight clash almost sure to end in a KO will appear on the Manny Pacquiao vs. Brandon Rios card on Saturday, Nov. 23 in Macao, China.

The heavyweight division isn't in the best shape. Thus a bout like this is actually mildly important. Andy Ruiz Jr. is undefeated, but his biggest win came against Joe Hanks in July. Ruiz hasn't proven himself against anyone of note. His opponent on Saturday is a bit of a step up in competition.

Tor Hamer isn't an established fighter, but he is at least experienced. Perhaps he can give Ruiz his first real challenge. Here's how you can watch the event.

When: Saturday, Nov. 23 at 9 p.m. ET

Where: Cotai Arena, Venetian Resort, Macao, china

TV: HBO PPV

Something to Prove

Ruiz isn't built like a contender. He stands only 6'2", but he's far from chiseled like an Evander Holyfield or even David Haye. In his last fight, he weighed 254 pounds. No one would bat an eye at that poundage if he were 6'5", but at Ruiz's height, his potential seems limited because of his girth.

Perhaps he is the type of fighter who can succeed and rise in the heavyweight ranks despite having a less-than-ideal physique. Ruiz isn't ranked by Ring Magazine and he's the 31st-ranked heavyweight according to BoxRec.com.

Knocking out Hamer wouldn't vault him into the top 10, or even the top 20, but it would at least keep his dream of relevancy in the sport alive.

The Gentleman Boxer

Hamer has been called the Gentleman Boxer by The Village Voice. The 30-year-old Penn State grad has an impressive amateur background. He won the New York Golden Gloves in the Super Heavyweight division in 2008 and the Prizefighter Heavyweight tournament in June 2012.

He's amassed a strong professional record, but like Ruiz, he hasn't beat anyone of note. The one time he had an opportunity to impress against a relatively highly regarded opponent, he quit on the stool against Vyacheslav Glazkov on NBC in Dec. 2012. 

Per his personal website, he was ill with the flu for the fight. Still, it may be hard for fans to get behind a fighter who gave up in his biggest opportunity. 

Prediction

Hamer is the most-skilled boxer Ruiz has faced, but despite his appearance, Ruiz Jr's hand speed is probably superior. On the inside, his left hook and uppercut are dangerous weapons. Both fighters will have their stamina called into question if the fight goes beyond three rounds.

Look for both men to come out looking to make an explosive statement. More than likely, the first fighter to connect with a big shot will send his opponent reeling.

My pick to win is Ruiz. His will and power have been impressive. Hamer may very well buckle under the pressure Ruiz is set to apply.

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