Anthony Joshua (AJ) is all set to make his boxing debut in the United States in June 2019. AJ was initially supposed to fight against Jarrell Miller. But the latter failed three consecutive drug tests, his license was suspended till September and the search began for AJ’s new opponent.
Lo behold, Andy Ruiz was announced as the new opponent a few days later. Andy has been a professional boxer since 2009 and will be challenging AJ for the WBA, IBF, WBO and IBO titles.
Boxing fans are eagerly waiting for the fight to go down but who is Andy Ruiz Jr.?
- Made in Mexico
On his left bicep, you can notice Andy’s “Hecho En Mexico” tattoo (Photo Courtesy – dailmailuk.com)
On the inside of his right bicep, he has the words “Hecho En Mexico” etched. Fans of Andy Ruiz might be familiar with the phrase. It means ‘Made in Mexico’ and though Ruiz was born in Imperial Valley in California, his roots are definitely Mexican.
- Boxing has always been in his family
Andy Ruiz Jr. with his family (Photo Courtesy – Instagram/andy_destroyer13)
Ruiz’s grandfather owned a boxing gym in Mexicali (approximately 30 minutes away from Imperial Valley), the same gym Jorge “Maromero” Paez fought out of. It was in Mexico where Ruiz embarked on an amateur career that, over the years, saw him go 100-5.
- A high school fight that got ICE to take notice
Andy during a boxing match (Photo Courtesy – Instagram/andy_destroyer13)
Andy has always been interested in boxing and often got into fights. One time, he got into a terrible fight and got kicked out of high school. This one incident led to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and its Homeland Security Unit to take a look into the growing number of street gangs. The very first area that came into focus was Imperial County. But Andy Ruiz Sr. was enough to get his son back on the right tracks.
- Breaking stereotypes with his physique
He has often been criticized by media for his physique (Photo Courtesy – Instagram/andy_destroyer13)
When you take a look at Andy’s physique, the first thought that comes to mind is that he is nothing like the other built and ripped boxers. He has often been criticized by the media and boxing representatives but Andy has learned to take his stereotype-breaking physical appearance into his stride and work it in his advantage.
- Loves his food
The boxer posing with a plate of crabs (Photo Courtesy – Instagram/andy_destroyer13)
You will often come across mouth-watering images of food on Andy’s social media pages. Considering his unusual physique, he has had to cut junk food, for the most part, to stay fit but does not hold back from gorging on delicious food on cheat days.
The fight between Anthony Joshua and Andy Ruiz Jr. will take place on 1 June 2019 at Madison Square Garden, New York City.
