Former Anthony Joshua nemesis Andy Ruiz Jr reveals huge weight loss but admits ‘I’m not where I want to be’

ANDY RUIZ JR has opened up on his stunning weight loss journey since his crushing defeat to Anthony Joshua. ‘The Destroyer’ shocked the world seven years ago by handing AJ his first professional defeat on a few weeks’ notice to become unified heavyweight champion. Andy Ruiz Jr piled on the pounds for his rematch with Anthony Joshua in December 2019 Credit: MARC ASPLAND The 36-year-old has been chipping away at his physique for the last few years Credit: INSTAGRAM@ANDY_DESTROYER13 Ruiz Jr dropped the Watford warrior FOUR TIMES on his way to earning a seventh-round TKO victory. The pair rematched in a Saudi showdown six months later, but the then-champion had ballooned up by over a STONE and lost the belts in a lopsided points decision. Sign up for the Sport newsletter Thank you! Ruiz Jr has made a conscious effort to lose his extra timber in recent years and looks on course to weigh the lightest he’s been in over five years when he takes on Damian Knyba this weekend. But despite his impressive weight loss, he’s far from satisfied with his physique. During an appearance on The Ariel Helwani Show, he said of his weight gain after the first AJ fight. “I was probably about 300lbs; I’m now 257lbs. “I like where I am at; I’m not where I want to be at, but it’s great progress. “I want to be more chiselled. I want to look like Anthony Joshua. Most read in Sport SUN VEGAS WELCOME OFFER: GET UP TO £100 BONUS The Home of Boxing in 2026 There's a massive year of boxing ahead! It has already been a blockbuster year inside the ring, and it is not going to stop anytime soon! All eyes are focused on when Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury will get in the ring, with the pair due to finally settle their decade-long rivalry. Katie Taylor calls time on her illustrious career this weekend at Croke Park as she faces Flora Pili, with the chance to become a three-time undisputed champion. Conor Benn fights for his first world title one week later against Ryan Garcia in Las Vegas – it is The Destroyer’s second bout for Dana White’s Zuffa Boxing. October’s action doesn’t stop either, with Fabio Wardley and Daniel Dubois facing off in the rematch of their thrilling fight in May, while Canelo Alvarez returns against Christian Mbili on Halloween. Here’s all the big fights coming up… September Sat 5 – Katie Taylor vs Flora Pili – DAZN Sat 12 – Conor Benn vs Ryan Garcia – DAZN Sep 12 – Jai Opetaia vs Noel Mikaelian Sat 19 – Isaac Cruz vs Nestor Bravo – DAZN October Sat 3 – Ben Whittaker vs Conor Wallace – DAZN Sat 17 – Daniel Dubois vs Fabio Wardley 2 – DAZN Sat 31 – Canelo Alvarez vs Christian Mbili – DAZN *If you click a link in this boxout, we will earn affiliate revenue. “I want to have an eight-pack, but maybe it is not for me.” Ruiz Jr hit the jackpot with his Rocky-esque giant killing of Joshua at Madison Square Garden, the venue AJ’s domestic dust-up with Tyson Fury is shockingly set to land. The 36-year-old has only fought THREE TIMES since his magical MSG night, with his last outing against Jarrell Miller taking place in August 2024. And he admits he contemplated walking away from boxing during his hiatus. Andy Ruiz Jr hasn’t fought since his draw against Jarrell Miller in August 2024 Credit: GETTY Ruiz Jr has dropped nearly three stone since losing his rematch with Anthony Joshua Credit: INSTAGRAM@ANDY_DESTROYER13 He said of his hiatus: “It got really dark. Really dark. Everybody goes through roller coasters. “Everybody has ups and downs in their life, and especially when it gets mental as well. “Especially when you feel like you’re not good enough. “You feel like you’re not going to be the same, you feel like you don’t want to do this anymore.” Comment now