Andy Ruiz Jr has undergone a remarkable body transformation as he gears up for a return to the ring on Friday night.The former unified heavyweight world champion squares off against Poland’s Damian Knyba at Newark’s Prudential Center in his first fight in just over two years. Ruiz Jr’s weight has fluctuated over the yearsMark Robinson/MatcrhoomLast time out in August 2024, Ruiz Jr held Jarrell Miller to a controversial majority draw, which most felt the latter deserved to win. Ruiz Jr broke his hand in the fight and spent a considerable stretch on the sidelines as his weight and mental health spiralled out of control. At his lowest point, Ruiz Jr says his weight ballooned up to 300lbs.But after committing to intermittent fasting and reuniting with his long-time coach Manny Robles late last year, Ruiz Jr is down 43lbs heading into fight night.How Andy Ruiz Jr dropped the weight“It got really dark. Really dark,” Ruiz confessed to Ariel Helwani on Monday night.“Everybody goes through roller coasters. “Everybody has ups and downs in their life, and especially when it gets mental as well.“Especially when you feel like you’re not good enough, you feel like you’re not going to be the same, you feel like you don’t want to do this anymore.“There were a lot of things that were happening…“I was probably about 300lbs; I’m now 257lbs. I like where I am at; I’m not where I want to be at, but it’s great progress,Ruiz Jr is looking considerably trimmer these days after dropping 43lbsInstagram - Andy Ruiz Jr “I want to be more chiselled. I want to look like Anthony Joshua. I want to have an eight-pack, but maybe it is not for me.“My discipline is a lot better now. I like fasting, so that has been what has helped me stay in balance. “I don’t eat breakfast. There are times I work out, and I am fasted.”Issues with his commitment, and in turn his weight, have consistently plagued Ruiz Jr’s career.After springing a stunning upset win over Anthony Joshua in June 2019, Ruiz Jr came in 15lbs heavier for their rematch six months later and lost on points.‘The Destroyer’ attributes the excessive weight gain to ‘partying too much’ after his win.If Ruiz Jr tips the scales at 257lbs on Thursday, then it will mark his lightest weight since his bout with Chris Arreola in May 2021.Watch Boxing on DAZN*If you click a link in this boxout, we will earn affiliate revenueSign up to DAZN to access the definitive subscription for boxing fans.Upgrade to DAZN Ultimate from just £24.99/month, guaranteeing access to 185+ fights annually, a minimum of 12 pay-per-views at no extra cost, as well as every Lega Serie A match and other elite football access.Alternatively, DAZN Standard is just £15.99/month, with the caveat you will have to pay for pay-per-view events.Click here to sign up.