SAUDI ARABIA — Andy Ruiz, the first Mexican heavyweight champion of the world has come a long way from his humble days in the agricultural border town of Imperial Valley.

After his unexpected win against the heavily favored British heavyweight, Anthony Joshua back in June, he became a cultural and sports icon overnight. Mexican fans especially in awe of his achievements, have dubbed Ruiz the 'Mexican Rocky.'  

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Known for his fast hands, Ruiz has been preparing for his rematch, taking place here in Saudi Arabia.

The Saudi royal family and community has welcomed Ruiz and his family with open arms.

“I thought it was a perfect place to make history, historic country, beautiful people. I'm just so blessed to be here, I thank God for giving me this opportunity once again, and you know, just to remain champion, I think thats the main goal,” Ruiz said.

As Anthony Joshua also spends time with the Saudi people, he too has one clear goal: to reclaim his title as heavyweight champion.

“I know AJ is gonna come with a different game plan. I know he’s prepared, I know he’s motivated. So I think that's what gives me the extra edge of being more motivated. I know he lost weight,” Ruiz said.

But while AJ lost weight, fans in Saudi Arabia that turned out for the weigh-in soon learned that Ruiz had actually gained weight. Weighing in at 283 pounds, 15 pounds more from his first fight in June.

That doesn’t seem to worry Ruiz, or his fans, or his father, who proudly waved the Mexican flag, cheering his son on. Ruiz’s father, Andy senior, has played a pivotal role in his son’s career.

“You know what, I feel so happy. He’s prepared for this fight. It was a dream that came true. Being the champion of the world, and to defend that title here in Saudi Arabia, its unbelievable,” said the senior Ruiz.

Andy’s father has also been getting acclimated with Saudi culture. He says he always knew his son would experience this level of success.

“When he was like 7-years-old, he was fighting with kids at 12-years-old. When he was 9-years-old, he was fighting with 16-year-old kids. So I knew that he got a lot of talent," Ruiz said. "And I remember I used to put on the TV for Andy watching the Rocky movies. And he was so excited. I told him, 'You know what, you’re gonna be the next Mexican rocky. And in your career, they are gonna call you the Mexican Rocky,” he explained.

Ruiz's friends and family are proudly representing the boxer in Saudi Arabia. Many of them having known him since childhood.

"Its been a long journey. A long roller coaster in my life. And now that I've finally made my dreams come true, there's just no way that I'm gonna let these go," said Ruiz. "But like I said December 7, best man wins. And I'm just ready." 

Ready for the fight of a lifetime.