In 2024, Andy Ruiz could be one of the biggest stars in the world, as he has ambitious plans for the boxer from Mexicali. Ruiz won't be fighting this year, but he hopes to fight Zhilei Zhang, Anthony Joshua, or Deontay Wilder in the future. Almost a year has passed since Andy Ruiz last fought
As an early age, Ruiz's father instilled a fear of fighting in him. Having amassed a stellar amateur record, "The Destroyer" turned professional at 19 to strive to become the first Mexican Heavyweight Champion.
WARNING - THE WRONG DIRECTION
Andy Ruiz Jr., a top-rated heavyweight candidate, was born to fight, even if he wasn't aware of it at the time. The game of baseball was Andy's passion when he was a child. The plans of his father, Andy Sr., were different. Despite his son's desire to play baseball, the elder Ruiz pushed him into boxing, requiring him to give up the sport every day.
It would all come to fruition according to Andy Sr.'s vision. Ruiz Jr. began his amateur career in Mexico, where he won several national championships and accumulated a 105-5 record. A member of the Mexican Olympic squad in 2008, Ruiz qualified for the games, but ultimately failed to make it.
MEXICO TURNS PRO
After turning 19 years old, Ruiz turned professional instead of continuing his amateur career. The first time he fought professionally was on March 28, 2009, in Tijuana, Mexico. Miguel Salvador Ramirez was knocked out in the first round by Ruiz.
In his U.S. pro debut on March 12, 2010, Ruiz flattened Luke Vaughn in one round at the Gaylord Hotel in Grapevine, Texas, after two more fights in Mexico (both wins).
SHOWING UP AND STEPPING UP
The fight would continue until July 27, 2013 for Ruiz in the US. It was at the Venetian Resort in Macao that the 19-0 boxer faced 21-0 Joe Hanks for the first time. The contest was over. Despite Hanks' best efforts, Ruiz was able to defeat him in four rounds.
It was at the Venetian Resort in Macao that he returned to the ring against Tor Hamer, a once-touted prospect. It also resulted in a similar outcome. Ruiz hit Hamer in the head and body in the third after a slow start. Before the fourth round began, Hamer remained on his stool.
At Selland Arena in Fresno, California, Ruiz defeated Manuel Quezada in two rounds in May 2017. On December 20, 2014, Liakhovich will face former world heavyweight champion Siarhei Liakhovich in a rematch. Ruiz dominated yet again at the Celebrity Theater in Phoenix, Arizona, winning a unanimous decision after 10 rounds.
THE FIGHT FOR A WORLD TITLE
A world title shot seemed inevitable after Ruiz won his next five bouts, climbing to the top of the rankings. WBO World Heavyweight Championship vacancy was filled by 29-0 boxer Joseph Parker on December 10, 2016.
Taking place in Parker's hometown of Auckland, New Zealand, the fight took place at Spark Arena. There were plenty of moments for both fighters in a fiercely contested battle that lasted 12 rounds. The judges Ramon Cerdan and Ingo Barrabas both scored Parker's win 115-113, giving him the victory and world title. Judge Salven Lagumbay had it 114-114, but Ramon Cerdan and Ingo Barrabas had it 115-113.
RESPONSE BOUNCING
During his return to the ring on March 10, 2018, Ruiz knocked out Devin Vargas in the first round at StubHub Center in Carson, California. The following July, he defeated fringe contender Kevin Johnson in a 10-round unanimous decision.
A live broadcast of Ruiz's Premier Boxing Champions debut was shown on FOX and FOX Deportes in Carson, California, on April 25, 2019. After five one-sided rounds, Ruiz stopped Alexander Dimitrenko in one of the finest performances of his career.
THE NAME OF THE HOUSEHOLD
In front of a stunned crowd at Madison Square Garden, Ruiz stunned the world by knocking out unified heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua four times in the seventh round. Joshua regained those titles in a 12-round unanimous decision over Ruiz in a rematch in December.
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