Despite claims throughout 2023 that a fight between Anthony Joshua and Deontay Wilder had been all but agreed, it has become clear in recent weeks that the pair will not be locking horns in Saudi Arabia, as had been advertised.
And a former opponent of Joshua’s has sensationally claimed that he is “scared” of the American.
In a recent interview with Little Giant Boxing, former unified world champion Andy Ruiz Jr also stated that he didn’t believe promoter Eddie Hearn would let his prized heavyweight in with ‘The Bronze Bomber.’
“Nah, it’s not going to happen. Joshua is scared, plus Eddie Hearn is not going to let Joshua fight Wilder – because he’s going to lose.”
“I feel like Wilder would beat him.”
Joshua’s promoter Eddie Hearn has claimed he is having talks with other international sites in attempt to revive the fight, after Skills Challenge Entertainment from Saudi Arabia pulled the plug on their deal.
However, fight fans could be forgiven for resigning them to the fact they may not ever see Joshua and Wilder square off.
Ruiz has himself also been in talks throughout 2023 for a clash with Wilder, however these too have not proved fruitful as of yet.
Both men have publicly accused the other of pricing themselves out of the fight, which would be the biggest all Aemrican heavyweight affair in decades.
Ruiz has been out of the ring since this time last year, when he defeated Cuban veteran Luis Ortiz via unanimous decision. He was offered a shot at Tyson Fury earlier in the year, but again there were accusations that he asked for too much money.