Ruiz DM Joshua: KINDNESS Anthony Joshua sent Andy Ruiz Jr DMs after their rematch which inspired him to…….

Andy Ruiz Jr previously revealed that rival Anthony Joshua sent him direct messages on Instagram after beating him in their rematch in 2019.

The former heavyweight champion of the world stunned everyone when he knocked AJ out in June of that year to claim the WBA, IBF and WBO belts.

Joshua was battered into submission by Ruiz Jr first time around

Joshua dominated Ruiz Jr in the rematch
However, Ruiz Jr weighed in more than a stone heavier for their rematch in Saudi Arabia six months later after plenty of partying and poor preparation.

As a result, he was comfortably outboxed and lost his belts.
The Mexican-American has said that he struggled with depression in the aftermath and ballooned up to 320lbs.

One shining light for him during this period though were the messages of support he received from his rival, who is now set to rematch Oleksandr Usyk on Saturday night.

AJ had kind words for Ruiz Jr after beating him
The pair kept it classy before and after both of their fights
Having only recently experienced defeat for himself, AJ decided to console his opponent.

Ruiz Jr revealed to the Mail: “There were a few messages.
“We were just saying that I’d bounce back, that I’m a great fighter.

“I have nothing but love for him. I don’t have no grudges.”
Ruiz Jr was in woeful shape for the AJ rematch but has lost 40lbs before his comeback

The coronavirus pandemic delayed Ruiz Jr’s ring return, but he eventually came back and beat Chris Arreola in May 2021.

He has not fought since, but is now scheduled to face Luis Ortiz on September 4.