Legendary actor Sylvester Stallone has offered his support to Andy Ruiz Jr in the build-up to his heavyweight title defence against Anthony Joshua.
The Mexican-American will go up against Joshua for the second time on Saturday 7 December, having defeated the Brit in June to claim the WBA, IBF, WBO and IBO heavyweight titles.
‘The Mexican Rocky’
The first clash in New York saw Joshua hit the canvas on four separate occasions before the fight was stopped in the seventh round, as underdog Ruiz Jr took the titles.
Stallone’s company Balboa Productions recently teamed up with DAZN to produce ‘One Night: Joshua vs. Ruiz’, a documentary about the first clash between the two heavyweights.
The Hollywood star has now declared his support for Andy Ruiz Jr as the 30-year-old tries to stop AJ for a second time and cement his position as the heavyweight champion.
He took to social media with a message for ‘The Destroyer’: “ANDY RUIZ, JR: The reigning heavyweight champion of the world! I am privileged to have “The Mexican Rocky!” holding the shirt from the 2nd #Rocky film. Good luck on your upcoming title defense on December 7 on @dazn_usa. The shirt is available at @slystalloneshop.”
‘Italian Stallion’
The 73-year-old actor is famed for his action movies, including his portrayal of fictional boxing champion Rocky Balboa in the ‘Rocky’ film series.
Stallone’s character in the film series, known as “The Italian Stallion”, is often the underdog and beats the odds on numerous occasions to forge a successful career in the ring.
And the American legend has likened Ruiz Jr’s story to that of his boxing alter ego. He said in a statement: “My Hollywood script came to life that historic June night when unknown boxer Andy Ruiz achieved a victory that shocked the world.”
“It was the real-life Rocky and the perfect story to kick off our partnership with DAZN…”
“This sport reveals the souls of these courageous warriors like no other sport can so it’s a privilege to be very involved with DAZN and their revolutionary programming.”
Mammoth Spectacle
Ruiz Jr is determined to repeat what he did in June when he shocked the world by stopping AJ. Speaking in the final press-conference before the rematch, the current champion said he has no intention of letting things slip: “Now that I finally made my dreams come true, there is no way I will let them go.”
Footage was recently released of Joshua’s intense training regime, where the Watford-born star can be seen lifting weights with his teeth.
Meanwhile, Ruiz Jr’s public workout also displayed outrageous hand-speed which left some fans worried for his opponent.
With the two fighters both looking in brilliant physical condition, the showdown in Saudi Arabia will be a mammoth spectacle.
Will Ruiz Jr retain the titles, or will AJ redeem himself and reclaim what he lost?
(Featured image source: Instagram/ Sylvester Stallone and Andy Ruiz Jr)