[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 111 (Tuesday, July 2, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E870]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                HONORING ANDRES PONCE ``ANDY'' RUIZ, JR.

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. VICENTE GONZALEZ

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 2, 2019

  Mr. GONZALEZ of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. 
Andres Ponce ``Andy'' Ruiz, Jr., the first Mexican-American boxer to 
win the heavyweight title.
  Andy Ruiz, Jr. was born and raised in Imperial, California, a city 
roughly 18 miles from the U.S.-Mexico border. Andy began boxing at the 
age of six with the support of his father, Andres Ruiz, Sr. Despite his 
skill and resilience, Andy was often judged based on his appearance. He 
did not let this deter him and quickly became an early standout, 
achieving a remarkable amateur boxing record of 105-5.
  Andy started his professional career at 19 years of age on March 28, 
2009, at the Plaza de Toros in Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico. Andy 
had his first opportunity to become the world boxing heavyweight 
champion in 2016, against Joseph Parker. Unfortunately, he lost the 
fight by decision, but the loss only furthered his ambitions to 
continue striving in the world of boxing. On June 1, 2019, Andy learned 
he could compete for the world heavyweight champion for a second time.
  Andy stunned the world by upsetting the previously undefeated 
heavyweight champion of the world, Anthony Joshua, by technical 
knockout (TKO) after seven rounds at Madison Square Garden in New York 
City, New York. This victory made history, declaring Andy to be the 
first heavyweight champion of Mexican descent and winning the WBA, IBF, 
WBO, IBO heavyweight titles. As of June 6, 2019, Andy Ruiz, Jr., has 
won a staggering 33 fights with only one loss.
  Madam Speaker, Mr. Andy Ruiz, Jr. has worked tirelessly to prove that 
with hard work, determination, and dedication, we can accomplish 
anything we set ourselves to do. He has reminded the world that one 
should not judge a person by their appearance nor judge a book by its 
cover. It is an honor to recognize a dedicated, ambitious individual 
who has greatly impacted the world of boxing. Andy has made history, 
giving young people across our country the hope to achieve anything 
they set their mind to and for that I stand here today to recognize 
him.

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