Andy Ruiz Jr has revealed that Anthony Joshua sent him direct messages on Instagram after their rematch at the end of 2019.
The former heavyweight champion of the world stunned everyone when he knocked out AJ to claim the WBA, IBF and WBO belts in June of that year.
However, Ruiz Jr weighed in more than a stone heavier for their rematch in Saudi Arabia after months 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.
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 now lost 40lbs
The coronavirus pandemic delayed Ruiz Jr’s ring return, but he is now finally on the comeback trail and preparing to face Chris Arreola on May 1.
He has linked up with Canelo Alvarez’s trainer Eddy Reynoso and is training for this return.
Ruiz Jr said on his YouTube channel: “All this hard work and dedication is gonna pay off man.
“I’m tired man, you see me do all those f***ing drills man? But, like I said, all this hard work and dedication is gonna pay off.
“Everyone’s gonna see the difference. Everyone’s gonna see my hard work, that’s what it’s all about.
“I’m ready for my next fight. I’m ready, excited, ready to prove everybody wrong.
“I must have lost 40lbs [2st 12lbs]. After my fight against Anthony Joshua, my defeat in Saudi Arabia, I gained to like 310lbs [22st 2lbs].
“I was depressed, I was mad at myself because I knew I should’ve trained, I knew I should’ve done better in my last fight, but it’s never too late. Now is the beginning to see the real and new Andy Ruiz Jr.”