![]() ![]() ![]() And by the time his December 2019 rematch with Joshua in Saudi Arabia rolled around, Ruiz rolled into the ring at 284 pounds, 16 pounds heavier than he had been in their first fight. ![]() He partied hard, drinking and eating to excess. Ruiz bought a garage full of luxury cars–a Mercedes, two Rolls Royces, a Ferrari, a Lamborghini and a Porsche. But the success went directly to Ruiz’s head, and to his waistline. It was a victory for the underdog and the doughy dad-bod–Ruiz and wife Julie have five children-and it was a dream come true. Ruiz, born in Imperial, CA, to Mexican parents, was the first boxer of Mexican descent to become the heavyweight champ. celebrates his victory over Anthony Joshua in June of 2019 at Madison Square Garden. He called Ruiz “the epitome of ‘don’t judge a book by his cover.’” “This is a surprise to boxing fans and the world,” said boxing legend Sugar Ray Leonard, commenting ringside. But Ruiz moved well and punched hard, dropping the Brit to the canvas four times en-route to a stunning seventh-round TKO and one of biggest boxing upsets in recent memory. At a paunchy 268 pounds, Ruiz looked out of his league alongside the chiseled Joshua, who was a 1-25 favorite. The deal was done, and on June 1, 2019, Ruiz stepped into the ring against the undefeated Joshua at Madison Square Garden with four title belts on the line. At that point, Hearn reached out to Ruiz Jr., who had just beaten German heavyweight Alexander Dimitrenko on Apand said after the fight that, if given the opportunity to fight Joshua on short-notice, he’d go immediately back into camp to prepare. A half dozen marquee fighters showed interest, but all of them wanted a big paycheck, including Cuban heavyweight Luis Ortiz whose manager declined Hearn’s offer of $7 million. Team Ruizįight promoter Eddie Hearn needed a qualified and legitimate opponent for Joshua, and he needed one as soon as possible. as a younger fighter with legendary trainer Freddie Roach. Judge Salven Lagumbay had it 114-114, but judges Ramon Cerdan and Ingo Barrabas both scored it 115-113 for Parker, awarding Parker the victory and the world title.Ruiz Jr. It was a hotly contested battle for 12 rounds, with each fighter enjoying their fair share of moments. The bout took place at the Spark Arena in Parker’s native Auckland, New Zealand. On December 10, 2016, the now 29-0 boxer faced 21-0 Joseph Parker for the vacant WBO World Heavyweight Championship. Ruiz would win his next five bouts, climbing to the top of the rankings and setting the stage for a world title shot. Again, Ruiz dominated, winning a 10-round unanimous decision at Celebrity Theater in Phoenix, Arizona. Another TKO win set up a showdown versus former world heavyweight champion Siarhei Liakhovich on December 20, 2014. in May 2017, stopping Manuel Quezada in two rounds at Selland Arena in Fresno, California. Hamer opted to remain on his stool prior to the start of the fourth round. ![]() After a slow start, Ruiz turned it on the third, punishing Hamer to the head and body. He returned to the ring that November, against once-touted prospect Tor Hamer, also at the Venetian Resort in Macao. Ruiz dominated, stopping Hanks in four rounds. That was when the 19-0 boxer took his first major step up in competition, against 21-0 Joe Hanks at the Venetian Resort in Macao. Ruiz would continue to fight in the US until July 27, 2013. pro debut on March 12, 2010, flattening Luke Vaughn in one round at the Gaylord Hotel in Grapevine, Texas. Ruiz would notch a first-round KO over Miguel Salvador Ramirez at the Plaza de Toros.Īfter two more bouts in Mexico (both wins), Ruiz made his U.S. His first pro bout occurred in Tijuana, Mexico, on March 28, 2009. Rather than continue his amateur career, Ruiz turned pro at 19. Ruiz would go on to make it to the qualification stage for 2008 Olympics as part of the Mexican squad, although he ultimately fell short of making it the games. began his amateur career in Mexico, accumulating a 105-5 record and winning several national championships. The elder Ruiz pushed his son into boxing, forcing him to give up baseball to study the sweet science daily.Īndy Sr.’s vision would come to fruition. But his father, Andy Sr., had other plans. was born to be a fighter-although he didn’t realize it at first. Top-rated heavyweight contender Andy Ruiz Jr. ![]()
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