Former unified heavyweight champion Andy Ruiz Jr. will finally return to the ring after over 18-months out from the sport. ‘The Destroyer’ will face Chris Arreola on May 1 and goes into the bout as a transformed fighter. And Ruiz Jr. has now given an update on his physique.

Ruiz Jr.’s last bout was the rematch against Anthony Joshua. The hard-hitting heavyweight drew a lot of criticism for coming in overweight, and ultimately that caused his downfall as he lost all his belts. Since then, he has embarked on an incredible weight-loss journey.

The 33-2 boxer spoke to Behind The Gloves on YouTube and revealed his current weight going into the Arreola bout. ‘The Destroyer’ said, “Right now, I’m like 257 for sure. I ate some tacos yesterday so, I’m okay. But you know, we’ve still got two more weeks so, my weight goal is to be at 255 for the Arreola fight on May 1.”

This comment from Ruiz Jr. showed the incredible change in his preparation. It has been largely down to the fact that Ruiz Jr. has teamed up with Canelo Alvarez’s trainer, Eddy Reynoso. As a result, the former champion is now in the best shape of his life.

READ: Everything You Need to Know About Canelo Alvarez’s Trainer – Eddy Reynoso

How much weight has Andy Ruiz Jr. lost?

With his comment, Ruiz Jr. revealed that he is nearly at his weight goal for the fight. Although he has two weeks to get into the optimum shape, his current weight is already a massive cut down from his last fight.

Ruiz Jr. went into the rematch against Anthony Joshua at 283 lbs. This was the most he has ever weighed. However, these comments revealed that the former champ lost 26 lbs. What’s more impressive is that not only did he lose weight, but he has gained an impressive amount of muscle as well.

Ruiz Jr. also revealed the effects of his weight loss on his performance. He said, “I think the head movement, the different ability that I can do now, you know. So it’s different from carrying extra 30 pounds, 35 pounds.”

Based on his comments, it appears the boxing world will see a new Andy Ruiz Jr. in terms of physical appearance, as well as his game-plan.

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What do you make of these comments from Andy Ruiz Jr.? Do you think the weight loss will help the former champion?