Three months after confessing to his sins, Andy Ruiz has finally come to grips with the damage that he caused.

The former unified heavyweight titlist insists to have a firm plan for his 2020 campaign, though a future that couldn’t come without reliving his past. Ruiz became the first-ever Mexican boxer to claim a piece of the heavyweight crown following a 7th round knockout of England’s Anthony Joshua last June, only to return the belts to the wildly popular Brit in a 12-round points loss last December.

The rematch saw the California-based boxer show up grossly out of shape, apologizing after the fact to those he let down. Included among the lot was his then-head trainer Manny Robles, with whom he has since split. The veteran cornerman carried Ruiz’s water throughout the buildup to the rematch, but no longer held back once the unlikelihood of a reunion was crystal clear.

“I know Manny Robles was talking stuff that I didn't do this, I didn't do that in the gym. I admitted it, you know and in the fight as well,” confessed Ruiz (33-2, 22KOs). “Now, there needs to be a new Andy. There needs to be a new change. That's why I changed trainers and just want to stay focused. I made history and I want to make history again.

“[Robles’ comments] did hurt a little bit. He said to tell the truth and admit it, I did that. I admitted it to the camera crew and everything. I'm not the first fighter to change trainers, you know. I think this is going to be a good change for me. As long as I stay focused, it's all good.”

The hunt for a new head trainer has begun for Ruiz, who has hinted at the possibility of working with Teddy Atlas. So far, their interaction has remained limited to an initial conversation gauging interest. Ruiz is expected to make his choice sometime in the first two weeks of March, while coming to grips with the way things were.

“It was our decision, it was a team decision (to split),” insists Ruiz. “I didn't really want this to happen, but it just happened. Nothing else to say, just to train hard. I didn't blame him. He said I didn't listen, I didn't train hard and that's exactly what I told everybody else.

“I know that when I come back, I'm gonna train hard. I haven't made a decision (on a new trainer), but I will make a decision (soon).”

Jake Donovan is a senior writer for BoxingScene.com. Twitter: @JakeNDaBox