Orange County, CA. Former heavyweight world champion Andy Ruiz Jr. has officially returned to professional boxing following advanced right shoulder rotator cuff repair surgery performed by Dr. Steve A. Mora, MD, FAAOS.
For a power puncher, the rotator cuff is everything. It stabilizes the shoulder during high-velocity strikes and absorbs tremendous force. A tear can significantly reduce strength, endurance, and career longevity.
Advanced Surgical Approach
Dr. Mora performed a state-of-the-art arthroscopic rotator cuff repair enhanced with the Smith & Nephew REGENETEN™ Bioinductive Implant.
This regenerative implant is designed to:
- Reinforce the repair construct
- Stimulate biologic tendon healing
- Increase tendon thickness
- Reduce re-tear rates by up to three times compared to standard repair alone
Rotator cuff re-tear remains one of the biggest challenges in shoulder surgery—especially in elite athletes. Augmentation with bio-inductive technology represents a major advancement in improving durability and long-term outcomes.
Back to Elite Performance
Following a structured, performance-driven rehabilitation program, Ruiz returned fully recovered from his right shoulder injury and back to the sport of professional boxing.
His recovery highlights what modern sports medicine can accomplish when cutting-edge technology meets precise surgical execution and disciplined rehab.
About Dr. Steve A. Mora, MD
Dr. Mora is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon specializing in shoulder, knee, and elbow injuries, with a focus on both surgical and non-surgical treatment of high-level athletes.
He is sought after by professional combat athletes, including UFC fighters, and regularly delivers national and international lectures on advanced sports medicine techniques.
His philosophy is simple:
“Apply cutting-edge treatments that help patients heal better, reduce failure rates, and return safely to high-level sport.“
Rotator cuff tears do not have to end careers. With advanced repair techniques and biologic augmentation like the REGENETEN implant, stronger recoveries are possible.
For a virtual or an office consultation reach out to Dr Mora on Instagram @stevemoraMD
Steve A. Mora, M.D., F.A.A.O.S
Board Certified Orthopaedic Surgeon
Diplomate, American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery
Fellow, American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
Partner, Restore Orthopedic and Spine Center
Office: (714) 332-5498 | F: (714) 941-9539
