Andy Ruiz Jr has had over a year out of the ring, and the WBC has taken action.
The fan-favourite Mexican American summited the heavyweight mountain in 2019 with a shock win over Anthony Joshua, changing his life and career via seventh round stoppage and snatching the undefeated record of the Brit in the process.
Ruiz Jr would lose the contracted rematch six months later via unanimous decision. He subsequently spent one year and five months out of the ring before returning to face Chris Arreola.
Despite suffering a knockdown in the second round, the former champion went on to win a unanimous points decision. He would do the same against Luis Ortiz one year and four months later in October of 2022, the last time fans seen him in the ring.
Despite being ordered to face Deontay Wilder in a final eliminator after that win, negotiations were strained and ultimately broke down, with Ruiz claiming he was to be unfairly paid but Wilder arguing he had priced himself out.
At that time he sat at number two in the WBC’s rankings, and Tyson Fury’s team apparently reached out to organise a mandatory defence. Ruiz, again, was accused of asking for too much.
The eliminator order was rescinded and Ruiz was bumped down to number five, however things have gotten worse for the 34-year-old.
The October ranking update sees him out of the top 40 entirely after the inactivity and with no fight scheduled. Recent shoulder surgery means he is considered not available to be ranked. Ruiz has promised fans a big 2024.
He is currently ranked fourth with the WBO, but doesn’t feature in the IBF or WBA top fifteen.
Taking his place at number five with the WBC is Efe Ajagba. Francis Ngannou is now controversially in at number ten.