Andy Ruiz Jr hopes to one day fight for the World Heavyweight title that he never won and is keen on taking on an ex-champion should he come through his next test.
The 32-year-old makes his first appearance of 2022 on September 4 at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles against fellow contender Luis Ortiz. Beating the Cuban would consolidate the Mexican’s credentials and keep his dreams alive of becoming a two-time champion having shocked the world in June 2019 against Anthony Joshua.
Ruiz told FightHype that he wants Wilder next after Ortiz.
“If I win I would want to fight [Deontay] Wilder if he comes out of retirement.”
The former WBC champion who reigned for five years has given mixed messages about his boxing future since losing to Tyson Fury nine months ago. Ruiz, who held the three other heavyweight belts for six months, isn’t convinced ‘The Bronze Bomber’ will return.
“When you’re interviewing him, he’ll say he don’t want to, and he makes more money out of the ring than inside the ring. That kinda showed that he doesn’t really want to, and I don’t blame him. All the hard work and dedication that he did over the years.
“He accomplished a lot. He was champion for so many years, I can’t blame him. He wants to enjoy his life without getting hurt, without getting punched in the face, he already did it. We all work hard so we don’t have to work hard in life.”
“My dreams are not done; I want that WBC belt.”