Talks have been ongoing between Andy Ruiz Jr and Deontay Wilder for an autumn fight, and although a deal still seems some way away, both parties have maintained their interest in the clash.
There has been plenty of online back and forth between the two former world champions. Alabama’s Wilder has accused Ruiz of “acting scared” and told him to contact him directly when he is ready to make the fight.
The pair were first ordered by the WBC back in November of 2022 to face off in what would be a final eliminator to become first in line for a mandatory shot at Tyson Fury’s world title.
As standard in boxing, arguments have arisen over the purse split, with Ruiz’s team not happy at the initial offering and believe only 50/50 to be fair.
Long before discussions were at the stages they are at now, Boxing Social spoke to ‘The Destroyer’ about the possible match-up and how he saw it going in the face of The Bronze Bomber’s devastating power. Ruiz was unmoved by the threat and went on to name the punch he’ll end the fight with.
“You know what, for me, I feel I can take a punch. I’m not saying he doesn’t hit hard or nothing, but I’m gonna get in, I’m gonna throw my combinations, I’m gonna be fast, explosive, I’m gonna throw that right hand on his temple and he’s gonna go down.”
Ruiz, who has told Wilder “this fat kid will flatten you,” was last out in September 2022 when he outpointed Cuban veteran Luis Ortiz over 12 rounds.
Wilder might be forgiven not to rush into fight against Ruiz given that he has a money spinning bout against Anthony Joshua scheduled for winter.