There’s something timeless about boxing—the underdog victories, the crushing knockouts, the raw emotion. And every now and then, the sport delivers a moment so unexpected, it stops the world in its tracks.
That moment came in June 2019, when Andy Ruiz Jr., a relatively unknown Mexican-American heavyweight, shocked the world by dropping Anthony Joshua four times to win the unified heavyweight titles. It wasn’t just a win—it was a cultural explosion. But like many great boxing stories, glory didn’t last forever.
This is the full story of Andy Ruiz Jr.—his rise, fall, and ongoing fight for redemption.
Humble Beginnings in Imperial, California
Andy Ruiz Jr.’s story starts far from the glitz of Las Vegas or Madison Square Garden. Born in Imperial, California, just miles from the Mexican border, Ruiz was raised in a hardworking family. His father, a construction worker turned house flipper, passed down the grit that would later fuel Andy’s boxing career.
Initially, Ruiz was all about baseball, until his father introduced him to boxing at age 7. His first fight took place in San Diego—not exactly where most kids are hanging out at that age.
Boxing wasn’t just a hobby; it was in his blood. His grandfather owned a boxing gym in Mexicali where former featherweight champ Jorge Páez used to train. Ruiz earned the nickname “The Destroyer” not from his fists, but from breaking stuff around the house as a kid. It stuck—and eventually became prophetic.
The Amateur Grind: 105 Wins and Olympic Trials
Ruiz didn’t take the easy road. He worked in construction with his father while simultaneously amassing an amateur record of 105-5, winning National Junior Olympic gold medals, a Ringside World Championship, and even representing Mexico in two Olympic qualifiers.
He wasn’t the most ripped guy in the room, but he had blazing hand speed and a chin made of granite. He was never about flash—he was about fundamentals and grit.
Turning Pro and Climbing Quietly
Ruiz turned pro at just 19 years old. There was no massive PR rollout—just small venues in Tijuana, Texas, and California. But people quickly noticed his speed. Despite weighing over 260 pounds, Ruiz had the hand speed of a middleweight.
His early resume includes wins over Jonte Willis, Tor Hamer, and Joe Hanks, and titles like the WBO Inter-Continental and NABF heavyweight belts. By 2016, he was 29-0, yet still flying under the radar.
That year, he faced Joseph Parker for the vacant WBO heavyweight title in New Zealand. Though he lost via majority decision, many felt he deserved at least a draw. One thing was clear—Andy Ruiz belonged on the world stage.
The Upset of the Decade: Ruiz vs. Joshua I
In 2019, after knocking out Alexander Dimitrenko, Ruiz got a golden opportunity. Jarrell “Big Baby” Miller tested positive for PEDs, leaving Anthony Joshua without an opponent for his U.S. debut at Madison Square Garden.
Ruiz—on just five weeks’ notice—DM’d promoter Eddie Hearn offering to step in.
Most wrote him off. Joshua was undefeated. Ruiz? A “chubby” underdog mocked online for his looks. But what unfolded on June 1, 2019, shocked the world.
- Round 3: Ruiz gets dropped. Then he gets up—and drops Joshua twice in the same round.
- Round 7: Two more knockdowns. Joshua fails to respond to the ref. Fight over.
Andy Ruiz Jr. becomes the unified heavyweight champion—the first Mexican-American heavyweight champ in history. The boxing world exploded.
The Downfall: Ruiz vs. Joshua II
Success came fast—and so did the distractions. Ruiz openly admitted he partied too much, ate too much, and trained too little.
By the rematch in December 2019, he was 16 pounds heavier, at 283.7 lbs. Joshua boxed smart, stayed disciplined, and easily outpointed Ruiz to reclaim his belts.
The loss wasn’t just physical—it cost Ruiz his trainer Manny Robles and damaged his credibility. He vanished from the media, missed obligations, and seemed rudderless.
The Road Back: Trainers, Injuries, and Inconsistency
In 2020, Ruiz joined Team Canelo under Eddy Reynoso, aiming to regain focus. His comeback fight in May 2021 against Chris Arreola showed flashes of his old self, but a second-round knockdown raised concerns.
He soon left Reynoso and switched to Alfredo Osuna, again highlighting instability in his corner.
In September 2022, Ruiz faced Luis Ortiz in a WBC eliminator. Despite being outboxed at times, three knockdowns secured him a unanimous decision win.
But then? Another setback—rotator cuff surgery sidelined him for nearly two years.
2024 Return vs. Jarrell Miller: Draw or Decline?
Ruiz returned on August 3, 2024, against the same man he replaced in 2019—Jarrell “Big Baby” Miller. This time, the tone was respectful. Ruiz weighed in at 274.4 lbs, Miller at 305.6 lbs.
The fight was gritty and technical. Ruiz started strong but faded due to a fractured metacarpal in his right hand. Miller pressed hard in the later rounds.
- Punch stats: Miller landed 183 of 514 (35.6%) vs. Ruiz’s 113 of 355 (31.8%).
- Result: Majority draw (116–112 Miller, 114–114 x2).
Miller called it a robbery. Fans online agreed. Ruiz later posted graphic photos of his injured hand—offering context, but not excuses.
What’s Next for Andy Ruiz Jr.?
As of 2025, Andy Ruiz Jr. stands at a career crossroads:
- Fast hands? Still there.
- Fan base? Loyal.
- Discipline and consistency? Questionable.
Andy Ruiz Jr.’s journey is one of the most unique stories in modern boxing. From overlooked prospect to history-maker, and now—an enigma.
His story isn’t over. But whether it ends in redemption or regret? That’s still up to Andy.
