Andy Ruiz Jr. “The Destroyer”
Heavyweight · Mexican-American (USA) · Matchroom Boxing
High-volume counterpuncher with elite hand speed, balance, and infighting instincts for a heavyweight
Blistering hook-uppercut combinations unleashed at close range, powered by exceptional footwork and body control
Record & stats
| Division | Heavyweight |
|---|---|
| Categories | Boxing |
| Promotion | Matchroom Boxing |
| Nationality | Mexican-American (USA) |
| Born | Imperial, California, USA |
| Height | 6'2" (188 cm) |
| Reach | 74 in (188 cm) |
| Stance | Orthodox |
| Age | 36 |
| KO rate | 63% |
| Status | Active |
How the wins come
63% Finish rate- 22 KO/TKO · 63%
- 13 Decision · 37%
Titles & honors
- Unified Heavyweight World Champion (WBA Super, IBF, WBO, IBO) — 2019
- First heavyweight world champion of Mexican descent in boxing history
Biography
Born in Imperial, California to Mexican immigrant parents, Andy Ruiz Jr. turned pro in 2009 and spent a decade proving a heavyweight's threat has little to do with a six-pack — his hand speed, balance, and finishing combinations were elite even as his physique drew doubters.
Everything changed on June 1, 2019. Stepping in on short notice for an injured Jarrell Miller, Ruiz dropped Anthony Joshua four times and stopped him in the seventh round at Madison Square Garden, becoming the first heavyweight world champion of Mexican descent and unifying the WBA (Super), IBF, WBO, and IBO belts in one of boxing's greatest upsets.
The high didn't last. Six months later, visibly out of shape, Ruiz lost a lopsided decision to Joshua in the Saudi Arabia rematch and surrendered every title. The years since have been sparse and uneven: wins over a faded Chris Arreola (2021) and an aging Luis Ortiz (2022), then a contentious majority draw with Jarrell Miller in 2024.
Now signed with Matchroom Boxing, the 36-year-old returns after a two-year layoff to face towering Polish contender Damian Knyba in a non-title headliner — a chance to prove the man who once beat Anthony Joshua still has chapters left to write.
Fight history
- DJarrell MillerDraw (Majority)
- WLuis OrtizWin (Unanimous Decision)
- WChris ArreolaWin (Unanimous Decision)
- LAnthony Joshua (rematch)Loss (Unanimous Decision)
- WAnthony JoshuaWin (TKO, Round 7)
- WAlexander DimitrenkoWin (RTD, Round 5)
- WKevin JohnsonWin (Unanimous Decision)
- WDevin VargasWin (KO, Round 1)
FAQ
- What is Andy Ruiz Jr.'s professional boxing record?
- Heading into his September 2026 bout with Damian Knyba, Ruiz stands at 35 wins, 2 losses, and 1 draw, with 22 knockouts.
- Did Andy Ruiz Jr. really beat Anthony Joshua?
- Yes. On June 1, 2019, Ruiz dropped Joshua four times and stopped him in the 7th round at Madison Square Garden — one of the biggest upsets in heavyweight history. Joshua reclaimed the belts by decision in their December 2019 rematch.
- Who is Andy Ruiz Jr. fighting next?
- Damian Knyba, a towering Polish heavyweight, on September 4, 2026 at Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey — Ruiz's debut under his new Matchroom Boxing contract.
- Is there a title on the line against Damian Knyba?
- No. It's a non-title 12-round headliner marking Ruiz's comeback after a two-year layoff, not a championship bout.