Introduction: Andy Ruiz Jr. — The ‘Destroyer’ Who Shocked the Boxing World
Andy Ruiz Jr., often nicknamed “The Destroyer,” is a Mexican-American boxing sensation best known for one of the biggest upsets in heavyweight boxing history — defeating Anthony Joshua in June 2019 to become the first heavyweight world champion of Mexican heritage. Born Andrés Ponce Ruiz Jr. on September 11, 1989, in Imperial, California, Ruiz carved his path from humble roots to global stardom through grit, skill, and heart.
This comprehensive guide dives deep into Andy’s family life, including his wife and relationships, and answers key questions about his epic bouts with Anthony Joshua: who won? who beat whom? — and explains the legacy he continues to build inside and outside the ring.
Andy Ruiz: Family, Relationships, and Personal Life
Was Andy Ruiz Jr. Married?
Andy Ruiz Jr. was married to Julia “Julie” Lemus, often referred to in media as his wife, though the couple’s relationship has since ended. Together they share multiple children — including sons Andy Ruiz III and Richie, as well as daughters Bella, Beverly, and Leah Maya.
Julie stood by Ruiz early in his career and was present during some of his most important moments, including his historic 2019 win over Anthony Joshua.
Important: Ruiz and Lemus later separated amid serious disputes, and legal matters including restraining orders and custody issues have been reported.
Children and Current Relationships
According to multiple reports:
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Ruiz and Julia Lemus have five children together.
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After his split from Lemus, Ruiz has since been linked with Mayeli Alonso, and they reportedly welcomed a child in 2024 — suggesting Ruiz’s family continues to grow beyond his earlier marriage.
Despite controversies, Russo has publicly emphasized his commitment to supporting all his children and being a present father.
Key takeaway: Ruiz’s personal life has seen highs and lows — from family celebration to public legal disputes — yet his identity as a father remains central to his story.
Andy Ruiz vs Anthony Joshua: A Historic Rivalry
Two of boxing’s most memorable heavyweight fights in recent modern history were between Andy Ruiz Jr. and Anthony Joshua — and the results shocked the world.
June 1, 2019 — The Stunning Upset
On June 1, 2019, at Madison Square Garden in New York City, Andy Ruiz Jr. stepped in as a late replacement to fight the undefeated British heavyweight Anthony Joshua for the unified WBA (Super), IBF, WBO, and IBO heavyweight titles.
Despite being a heavy underdog, Ruiz dominated and won by TKO in the seventh round, knocking Joshua down multiple times. This victory instantly elevated Ruiz into boxing lore and marked one of the greatest upsets in heavyweight history.
Result: Andy Ruiz Jr. won the first fight via Technical Knockout — a shock to fans and critics alike.
December 7, 2019 — The Rematch and Title Return
Just six months later, the two fighters met again inside the ring — this time in Diriyah, Saudi Arabia — in a rematch billed as Ruiz vs. Joshua II.
In the rematch, Joshua returned with improved conditioning and strategy. After 12 rounds, Anthony Joshua won by unanimous decision, reclaiming the heavyweight world titles he had lost earlier that year.
Result: Anthony Joshua won the rematch and regained the heavyweight champion status.
Fight Legacy: What Did These Fights Mean?
The Ruiz-Joshua series is significant not just for the outcomes but for the box office and boxing history:
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The first fight broke records for its shock value and global attention.
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Ruiz became a cultural icon for Mexican and Mexican-American fans worldwide as the first heavyweight champion of Mexican descent.
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The rematch showcased Joshua’s ability to adapt and regain titles — a narrative of redemption.
Together, the pair’s rivalry is often discussed among the most intriguing heavyweight storylines in recent boxing history.
What Happened After the Joshua Fights?
Following his world title loss in the rematch with Joshua, Ruiz faced ups and downs:
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He continued fighting, securing wins over Chris Arreola (2021) and Luis Ortiz (2022).
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His later fight with Jarrell Miller in August 2024 ended in a draw, and he suffered a fractured right hand, leading to extended time out of the ring.
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By 2025, Ruiz was reportedly training again and contemplating a comeback to the heavyweight division.
FAQs About Andy Ruiz and His Legacy
Q1: Who is Andy Ruiz Jr. married to?
Andy Ruiz Jr. was married to Julia “Julie” Lemus, with whom he has five children. The couple later separated amid legal and personal disputes.
Q2: Who won the first fight between Andy Ruiz and Anthony Joshua?
Andy Ruiz Jr. caused a major upset by defeating Joshua via 7th-round TKO on June 1, 2019, becoming the unified heavyweight champion.
Q3: Who won the rematch between Ruiz and Joshua?
Anthony Joshua regained his titles on December 7, 2019, with a unanimous decision victory in the rematch.
Q4: Does Andy Ruiz have kids?
Yes — he shares multiple children with former wife Julia Lemus, and has since welcomed at least one more child with partner Mayeli Alonso.
Q5: What titles did Ruiz win against Joshua?
Ruiz won the WBA (Super), IBF, WBO, and IBO heavyweight titles in 2019.
Q6: Is Andy Ruiz returning to boxing?
As of 2025, Ruiz has been training and discussing possible comeback plans in the heavyweight division.
Conclusion: Andy Ruiz — Beyond the Belt
Andy Ruiz’s journey from Imperial Valley to world heavyweight champion is a testament to resilience and unexpected triumph. While his personal life has seen transitions, and his relationship with his former wife has drawn media attention, Ruiz’s professional legacy — especially his stunning 2019 World Heavyweight title victory — remains unforgettable.
His rivalry with Anthony Joshua ranks among the defining heavyweight stories of the modern era — with Ruiz proving that heart can conquer odds, and Joshua proving that champions can rise again.
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