BEFORE Andy Ruiz Jr caused one of the greatest upsets in recent times in boxing, the Mexican brawler’s name wouldn’t have resonated with anyone outside the sport.
The Destroyer stunned everybody when he battered Anthony Joshua earlier this year, and landed the WBA, IBF, WBO and IBO heavyweight titles.
The rise of Andy Ruiz Jr has been spectacularCredit: AP:Associated Press
Ruiz Jr enjoyed an incredible win over Joshua that made him an overnight starCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Instantaneously, he became a celebrity overnight and even appeared on Jimmy Kimmel Live – a US chat show normally reserved for A-list guests like Kanye West or George Clooney.
But, despite his rapid rise, 30-year-old Ruiz Jr’s story has been a long time coming.
SunSport takes a look at the making of the first ever Mexican heavyweight champion, ahead of his rematch with Joshua on December 7.
THE CHUBBY MEXICAN KID
Born in Imperial Valley, California on September 11, 1989, Ruiz Jr had aspirations of becoming a baseball star.
However, he was far from a prime athlete.
His father, sick to death of Ruiz Jr’s destructive nature which meant he would often break things, wanted his son to channel his energy into boxing.
He took the chubby kid to a local gym at the age of seven, where he honed his skills against much older kids – purely because of his large frame.
“Because I was a chubby kid I always had to fight older guys. I was seven then, fighting a 12-year-old,” he said.
“There were no seven year olds who weighed as much as me so I was always fighting much older guys.
“But having those experiences and taking those punches has helped get me here.”
Andy Ruiz Jr grew up wanting to be a baseball star
Born in 1989, Ruiz Jr grew up as a chubby kid dreaming of playing baseballCredit: Instagram @andy_destroyer13
At the age of seven Ruiz Jr discovered boxing and vowed to become heavyweight champion of the worldCredit: Instagram @andy_destroyer13
OLYMPIC DREAMS SHATTERED
As an amateur under Cuban mentor Fernando Ferrer, Ruiz Jr had an impressive record of 105-5.
But his real dream was to represent the country his parents emigrated from – Mexico.
His roots were firmly still south of the border, and with Imperial Valley just 16 miles away from the Mexican/American border, he would often drive across to see his family.
However, his dream of qualifying for the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing was shattered when he lost two bouts, including one to Oscar Rivas, who recently went toe-to-toe to Dillian Whyte.
Ruiz Jr had to start from scratch – all over again.
Ruiz Jr was left shattered when he failed to qualify for the 2008 OlympicsCredit: Instagram @andy_destroyer13
TO CHINA FOR RECOGNITION
Gutted by his Olympic disappointment, Ruiz Jr only had one way out of the slums. Boxing.
He went pro at the age of 19, avoiding a life of gangs and crime.
“Without boxing I would have probably worked with my dad in construction or been a drug dealer, because of some of the people that were around me, boxing saved my life,” he revealed.
He began racking up wins in Mexico and in casinos in the US, before embarking on an adventure to China.
Ruiz Jr easily defeated Joe Hanks and Tor Hamer on the undercards of Manny Pacquiao fights in Macau.
He never once wavered on his ultimate ambition.
“I have been dreaming about the heavyweight title it seems since I was born,” he told the South China Morning Post in 2013.
“My goal is to become the first Mexican heavyweight champion of the world. I am trying to accomplish that.
“I am going to do the hard work and show all the dedication I need. I am pretty sure it will follow through.”
Ruiz Jr went to China and beat Tor Hamer in MacauCredit: AP:Associated Press
STRUCK BY TRAGEDY
Within the space of a year, Ruiz Jr lost two of his closest pals to the sport that’s been so kind to him.
He had grown up boxing with Alejandro Martinez, who was left in a coma for 37 months after a bout with Juan Alberto Rosas before finally passing away in 2012.
Then, in 2013, another friend Frankie Leal died aged just 26 when he was knocked out by Raul Hirales.
Despite those tragedies, Ruiz Jr never questioned his pathway to becoming world champion.
“I am mentally and physically prepared and I am willing to die in the ring,” he said.
“This is what I have been waiting on, all fighters put their lives on the line, I have two friends who have died from this boxing game and it kind of scares me but I feel I was made for this.
“I grew up with those two guys and I felt it could happen to me and I was not sure if I was going to continue.
“But I think it’s the big Mexican cajones I have, I think I am meant for this.”
Within the space of one year Ruiz Jr lost two pals who died in the ring after getting knocked outCredit: Instagram
FAMILY MATTERS
Back in June, two familiar faces cheered Ruiz Jr on to victory against Joshua in their plush, ringside seats.
They were who matter most to the burly fighter – his mum, and wife Julie.
Speaking after his incredible win, his mum couldn’t hide her joy.
“I know he’s chubby and they think he didn’t have a punch but he’s strong and I knew he was going to do this,” she told Fight Hub TV.
“When he was little he said ‘I want to be the champion of the world’, the first Mexican and he did it.
“He was sure that he was going to win this fight.
“He made me nervous and cry with emotion that he won.”
While Julie revealed: “I’m so excited. I’m so proud of him now. He made history. He’ll take anybody down – he’ll take anybody.
“Never judge a boxer by his cover. You can be in the best shape but if you can’t punch…
Andy Ruiz’s wife said the Mexican is ready to take on anyone after defeating AJ
His mum revealed Ruiz Jr always dreamed of becoming a heavyweight championCredit: YouTube/ Fight Hub TV
Ruiz Jr and his wife Julie were welcomed back to Imperial Valley with a paradeCredit: Getty – Contributor
“We are just proud of him and we thank god that everything came out in our favour.”
When the Ruiz Jr family returned back to Imperial Valley, they were welcomed back like gods with a parade.
Should he beat Joshua again, they might just erect a life-size 6ft 2in statue celebrating their hero.
Andy Ruiz Jr hopes to god that he can knock Anthony Joshua out as he looks forward to the big fight
Source: Boxing - thesun.co.uk
