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ANDY RUIZ JR has claimed his ex-wife stole his world championship belts following their split.

The former heavyweight champion realised his dream in 2019 when he stunned Anthony Joshua in New York, dropping him four times on his way to one of the all-time great upsets.

Andy Ruiz Jr became unified heavyweight champion by beating Anthony Joshua
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Andy Ruiz Jr became unified heavyweight champion by beating Anthony JoshuaCredit: Reuters
He claimed the IBF, WBA, WBO and IBO belts in June 2019
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He claimed the IBF, WBA, WBO and IBO belts in June 2019Credit: Reuters
He recently split from ex-wife Julia Lemus - who reportedly had a restraining order sanctioned against him
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He recently split from ex-wife Julia Lemus - who reportedly had a restraining order sanctioned against himCredit: Getty - Contributor

Ruiz's win saw him pick up the IBF, WBA, WBO and IBO titles.

An out-of-shape Ruiz then lost their rematch six months later as AJ outboxed him to earn redemption via split decision.

And since then he has struggled to impress, scraping wins over Chris Arreola and Luis Ortiz before he drew with Jarrell Miller earlier this month.

Ahead of his clash with Miller, Ruiz discussed the difficulties he has faced outside the ring in his personal life.

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They included reportedly being given a restraining order against ex-wife Julia Lemus after allegations he pointed a gun at her and sexually assaulted her - accusations Ruiz denies.

And he has now claimed the split with his wife also included her stealing his world title belts won against Joshua.

Speaking to DAZN, he said: "I have a few [belts], but from my break-up and all that, they stole everything.

"Almost $1 million worth of jewellery and my belts. My championship belts, she took that too.

"I know for a fact because she did that restraining order for me to move out of my house that I bought, and all my belts were there, my jewellery.

"She knew the combination to my safe and everything. So she literally wiped me out.

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"I didn’t care about the jewellery at that time. I was like, 'You know what, forget that, it’s just material things'.

"But the championship belts hurt me a lot."

Ruiz and Julia have two sons - Andy Ruiz III and Richie - and three daughters - Bella, Emily, and Andyliz.

Ruiz and Julia have five children together
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Ruiz and Julia have five children togetherCredit: Instagram/@jjulliea
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