Former unified heavyweight champion Andy Ruiz Jr will fight Luis Ortiz on August 13 at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles.
The Premier Boxing Champions event will pit the Mexican against the veteran Cuban who recently labelled him a ‘coward’.
Ruiz, 32, had been due to face Tyrone Sprong, much to Ortiz’ annoyance, but instead moves forward with a far trickier assignment against the 43-year-old.
“My son is going to shut up the one who dared to call him a coward,” Ruiz father Andrés told ESPN Knockout.
“Andy is very motivated; he is ready to show the world that he belongs to the elite heavyweights and that he is not afraid of anyone.”
Ortiz last fought at the beginning of the year against Charles Martin but was stopped in the sixth round. Ruiz ran out a comfortable winner on points in an all-Mexican battle against Chris Arreola 11 months ago.
Ranked at five and seven, respectively, with the WBC the winner of Ruiz and Ortiz could eventually be in contention for a shot at the world title currently held by the now retired champion Tyson Fury.