It seems that Andy Ruiz Jr has a plan in place for facing Deontay Wilder as the two former champions move closer to a fight to determine who’s next in line for a shot at the belt.
With Wilder’s first round knockout of Robert Helenius confirming he’s back on the scene, and Andy Ruiz Jr’s points victory over Luis Ortiz completing his top-level return to the division, the two are rumoured to face off next. Speaking to Intu Boxing, Ruiz said the prospect of a final eliminator with Wilder and other big fights was ‘exactly why he was working his ass off.’
“I’m trying to get those titles back. Anthony Joshua just told me he wants to make something happen, he wants to make the trilogy. That would be pretty cool.”
“I’m really excited. I’m really focused. I had a tough fight last month against Luis Ortiz. It was my first lefty. I felt I could’ve done better, but we got the win.”
With the WBC ordering the Ruiz – Wilder fight and no promotional conflicts standing in the way, negotiations between the two former champions should be relatively easy. So, what does he plan to do in the ring with one of the heaviest hitters in history? Ruiz seems to think his counterpunching ability will be key.
“I think my style is so different. Once you get inside with me, it’s going to be hard.
With Wilder, I feel I’m going to counterpunch him. I feel everybody’s still going to underestimate me and I’ve just gotta still do my thing.”
Ruiz’ counterpunching abilities were on display in June of 2019 at Madison Square Garden. In a career-defining victory, Ruiz came off the canvas and knocked Anthony Joshua down as the Brit was gunning for the KO. He went on to win the fight in the seventh to become the first Mexican Heavyweight World Champion ever.
The WBC are expected to set a date for negotiations between Ruiz and Wilder this week at their annual convention. Whilst the Mexican fighter is very much on board, some comments from Wilder’s camp hint at the idea of pursuing what they see as a ‘bigger’ fight.