News

Andy Ruiz Reacts To Wilder Wanting To Bypass Him And Fight Joshua Next

Written by Kerr Ferguson on 30th November 2022.

Andy Ruiz and Deontay Wilder WBC

Andy Ruiz Jr has noted that Deontay Wilder is looking to bypass a fight with him to face former-champion, Anthony Joshua.

Ruiz, who recently beat Luis Ortiz over twelve, was ordered to face Wilder by the WBC in what would be a final eliminator for a shot at Tyson Fury’s title. Whilst many fans applauded the matchmaking, it seems that Wilder would like to make other plans.

His manager, Shelly Finkel, this week reached out to Eddie Hearn, who represents Anthony Joshua. Finkel said that it was the fight Wilder wanted over the Ruiz bout, and would ‘give anything’ to make it happen.

Fans have been calling for Joshua and ‘The Bronze Bomber’ to face off ever since they were champions in the division. Now, since both men have lost, the belts are out of the question, but the intrigue remains.

So where does this leave Andy Ruiz? He doesn’t know anymore than the fans. He responded to a tweet about the news with shrugging emojis.

Ruiz became the first Mexican heavyweight champion in history when he upset the odds massively against Joshua in Madison Square Garden. Unfortunately for him, a mix of poor preparation and a fresh ‘AJ’ game plan meant he lost the belts in the immediate rematch.

Should Wilder and Joshua indeed get around the negotiation table and come to an agreement, it would be expected that the WBC should order Ruiz to face someone else in the final eliminator. Behind him in the ratings are Cuba’s Frank Sanchez followed by Russia’s Arslanbek Makhmudov.

Despite no solid plans, the counter-punching heavyweight is training hard. He recently released a clip from the gym showing a quick combination culminating in a sharp left hook. Who that will end up landing on is yet to be determined.