Andy Ruiz Jr. winning the world heavyweight title had a ripple effect causing a life implosion that affected his continued career.
The Ruiz story of going off the rails is no secret after he defeated Anthony Joshua in 2019. Six months later, his partying lifestyle saw him surrender his title belts to the Brit he destroyed. His alleged shenanigans unveiled in 2023 seem to have resulted from his victory and elevated status.
A lawsuit against the heavyweight contender threatened to derail his career in 2023. TMZ revealed documents from both sides after a messy split between Ruiz and his wife, Julia Lemus.
His former other half filed a domestic abuse case in San Diego last spring [April 6], documenting alleged behavior that a judge has since upheld.
In the legal paper, Lemus alleged that former unified world champion Ruiz “sexually, physically, and psychologically abused her” and that he “made her feel like she had to walk on eggshells around him” during their romance. Lemus opened a can of worms, but Ruiz is adamant that it is the other way around.
The 27-year-old Lemus dated Ruiz from 2015 through 2022. She says Ruiz physically and emotionally abused their two children alongside herself. In an Instagram post, she accused Ruiz of cheating. Lemus threw all his belongings – including a diamond-encrusted necklace – in the trash.
She also claims Ruiz has alcohol and drug problems, leaving her “fearing for her life and safety and the lives and safety of my children.”
TMZ released some details of the suit Lemus filed against Ruiz. It states: “He began grabbing me by my upper arms and physically yanking me to move me wherever he wanted me to go.”
Images of abuse were also obtained by TMZ, which seem to be damning on both sides. However, Ruiz received a restraining order to stay away from Lemus by at least one hundred yards. Lemus was also granted custody of the children until a hearing took place.
This year, Lemus was granted a three-year restraining order until 2027, which she can apply to have extended on April 8, 2027.
Judge Sharon L. Kalemkiarian residing told the court in filings that Lemus had proved she “is in fear as a result of aggressive, demeaning and controlling behavior by Mr. Ruiz,” – again according to TMZ, who are all over this story.
Judge Kalemkiarian added, “Mr. Ruiz did assault her, did disturb her peace, and did exercise coercive control throughout the entire relationship.”
On the record, Ruiz “categorically denies that he ever has abused Julia Lemus or his children.” He adds that Lemus was abusive to him during the relationship and once caused physical harm.
The boxer also says he’s owed $250,000 in jewelry allegedly stolen from him and his world championship belts. Ruiz posted pictures of the possessions he had retrieved, including a necklace pictured on Lemus’ social media that had been thrown in the trash.
When dumping the former world titleholder‘s things, Lemus said: “Recently, a story about my personal life has been circulating in various Spanish-language media outlets. It was handled in a wrong and disrespectful manner.
“In this regard, and to keep my public and the media duly informed, I clarify that at the time, I decided to open my heart again. My previous relationship [with Andy] had already ended.
“I want to live calmly in this new stage of my life that began recently. All human beings deserve a new opportunity to find happiness. That is exactly what I am doing right now, and I thank God for that.”
Ruiz had faced jail time, but due to the restraining order implemented, it seems that ‘The Destroyer’ is free to continue his waning boxing career. It’s a boxing tenure that promised so much in 2019 when he won the unified crown.
In his last fight, Ruiz drew with the out-of-form Jarrell Miller and was lucky to get away without defeat. Ruiz is currently 35-2-1 with 22 KOs.
Read all articles and exclusive interviews by Phil Jay. Learn more about the author, experienced boxing writer, and World Boxing News Editor since 2010. Follow on Twitter @PhilJWBN.
