Andy Ruiz: The Fat Guy ‘Destroyer’ With a Historic Punch That Joseph Parker Can’t Forget

In the landscape of modern heavyweight boxing, few figures have defied expectations and shattered stereotypes like Andy Ruiz Jr., the man who proudly carried the nickname “The Destroyer.” His appearance often deceives at first glance—stocky, unassuming, and famously dubbed “the fat guy” in boxing circles. Yet, behind the round face and soft midsection lies a boxer with one of the quickest hands, deadliest combinations, and a historic punch that shook the world. Among those who know this better than most is Joseph Parker, who once stood across the ring from Ruiz in a tightly contested world title bout that left a lasting mark on both fighters’ careers.

Ruiz’s rise from underestimated challenger to world champion has become a fairy tale of grit and unpredictability, and his battle with Parker is a pivotal chapter in that story. It was a fight that not only showcased Ruiz’s ferocity and speed but also one that Joseph Parker remembers vividly—for both what it gave him and what it nearly took away.

The Origins of “The Destroyer”

Andy Ruiz Jr. was born in Imperial, California, to Mexican immigrants and was introduced to boxing by his father at a young age. From the beginning, Ruiz was anything but conventional. Unlike many of his chiselled counterparts, Ruiz never fit the typical mold of a heavyweight boxer. But what he lacked in physical aesthetics, he made up for with blistering hand speed, relentless pressure, and an iron chin.

By the time he stepped into the professional ranks, Ruiz had already logged over 100 amateur bouts. He rapidly earned a reputation for overwhelming opponents with fast, tight combinations that belied his size. His unique blend of agility and brute force gave rise to his nickname—“The Destroyer.” And it wouldn’t take long before that title was put to the test on the world stage.

The Clash with Joseph Parker: A Battle for the WBO Crown

On December 10, 2016, Andy Ruiz faced Joseph Parker in Auckland, New Zealand, for the vacant WBO heavyweight title. It was a high-stakes fight for both men: Parker, the unbeaten hometown hero looking to become New Zealand’s first heavyweight champion; and Ruiz, the underestimated challenger who had a point to prove.

Despite his underdog status, Ruiz entered the fight with quiet confidence. He believed he had the faster hands and sharper combinations. And when the bell rang, he backed up that belief with action.

Ruiz controlled much of the early rounds, stunning Parker with precise jabs and forcing him to retreat. He continually disrupted Parker’s rhythm with slick inside work and was able to get past Parker’s reach advantage more than once. His ability to close distance and deliver thudding body shots put Parker under immense pressure.

Although Parker began to find his rhythm in the later rounds and finished strong, the bout was razor-close. In the end, Parker won via majority decision, with scores of 115–113, 115–113, and 114–114. It was a victory, but one shadowed in controversy. Many observers, especially Ruiz’s camp, felt that the Mexican-American had done enough to win.

Joseph Parker Never Forgot Ruiz’s Power

Though Parker walked away with the WBO belt, he didn’t forget what it took to earn it. And more importantly, he didn’t forget Ruiz’s impact.

Parker would later admit that Ruiz was one of the toughest opponents of his career. It wasn’t just the speed or the volume of punches—it was the timing and accuracy. Ruiz landed a number of clean shots that could have easily tilted the fight in his favor. For Parker, the memory of Ruiz’s historic hand speed and relentless combinations left a psychological imprint.

In interviews, Parker often refers to Ruiz with a blend of admiration and caution. He respects Ruiz’s deceptiveness and heart, acknowledging that the Mexican fighter came incredibly close to derailing his world title dream.

Ruiz’s Redemption: Shock of the Century

While Joseph Parker’s stock rose after the victory, Ruiz had to go back to the drawing board. But he didn’t give up. And that perseverance led to what would become the most iconic night of his career—and one of the greatest upsets in boxing history.

On June 1, 2019, Ruiz took on Anthony Joshua at Madison Square Garden. Joshua, the undefeated British superstar and unified heavyweight champion, was expected to easily dispatch Ruiz. What followed was pure mayhem. After being dropped early, Ruiz got back up and delivered a devastating flurry that dropped Joshua four times en route to a seventh-round TKO victory.

That moment made Andy Ruiz the first-ever Mexican heavyweight champion, shocking the sports world and fulfilling the prophecy he had hinted at back in 2016 against Parker. The same explosive combinations, lightning-fast counters, and unwavering pressure that tested Parker were now on full display on the biggest stage of all.

“The Fat Guy” Who Shook the World

Ruiz’s stunning win over Joshua redefined him in the eyes of the public. He was no longer just the “fat guy.” He was a symbol of perseverance, of smashing through expectations. His round body was no longer a joke—it was a reminder that appearance doesn’t define greatness.

His nickname “The Destroyer” now carried global weight. He had demolished the image of what a champion “should” look like and reminded the world of the unpredictable, unforgiving nature of boxing.

Joseph Parker, watching from the sidelines, wasn’t surprised. He had tasted Ruiz’s power firsthand. He had danced with “The Destroyer” and had emerged from the ring with a new level of respect for the man he narrowly edged out.

What Makes Andy Ruiz So Dangerous?

Despite not having the longest reach or the hardest punch in the division, Ruiz’s biggest weapons are:

• Unbelievable hand speed for a heavyweight.

• High punch volume, particularly in close quarters.

• Durability and recovery, allowing him to survive early damage.

• Composure under fire, honed from years of experience.

Even when he appears to be losing, Ruiz has the capability to turn a fight around with a single, calculated combination. He doesn’t rely on one-shot power; instead, he overwhelms opponents with barrages that are both accurate and fast. It’s a formula that nearly unseated Joseph Parker—and one that dismantled Anthony Joshua.

The Legacy: Parker’s Respect and Ruiz’s Lasting Impression

Although Joseph Parker went on to defend his title and face more elite opponents, including Joshua and Dillian Whyte, his fight against Ruiz remains one of his most important victories. Not because it was his best performance, but because of the challenge Ruiz presented.

To this day, Parker acknowledges that the fight taught him invaluable lessons. Ruiz’s ability to pressure, to slip and counter, and to bring danger with every exchange forced Parker to dig deeper than ever before.

Ruiz, meanwhile, continues to chase legacy, having rededicated himself to training and eyeing another title shot. The “fat guy” may never have the physique of his peers, but his skills make him a threat to anyone in the top 10.

Conclusion: More Than Just a Punchline

Andy Ruiz is a reminder that boxing is about heart, talent, and execution, not body type or public perception. His punch, his pressure, and his persistence have made him one of the most compelling figures in the sport. And for Joseph Parker, Ruiz is not just a former opponent—he’s a benchmark, a name forever etched in the timeline of his journey.

As heavyweight boxing continues to evolve, Ruiz stands tall as an anomaly with power, speed, and one unforgettable punch. And for Joseph Parker, the memory of that night in Auckland—those sharp shots, relentless combinations, and close scorecards—will never fade. He knows firsthand: Andy Ruiz Jr. is far more than just the “fat guy.” He is The Destroyer—and he nearly destroyed Parker’s dreams.