As Deontay Wilder and Andy Ruiz Jr finally look set to fight and fulfil the WBC’s final eliminator order, Oscar De La Hoya believes ‘The Bronze Bomber’ may be in for a shock.
Despite the winner being first in line for a shot at Tyson Fury’s WBC heavyweight title, the fight talks have plodded along with no official announcement in sight.
It would pit two former champions against one another and really see who was deserving of mixing it with the champions when that time comes.
Wilder – commonly referred to as one of the hardest hitters in the history of the sport – will likely go in favourite to win by stoppage.
Whilst avoiding a solid prediction, fighting great turned promoter, De La Hoya, is adamant that Ruiz has just as much of a chance to end the show early as Wilder does. He gave his thoughts to FightHype.
“He knocked out Anthony Joshua, which was the shock of the century. I think Andy Ruiz can do the same thing to Deontay if he catches him.
“Deontay is a very different fighter from Joshua. He’s a smarter fighter, he’s a more passionate fighter. Deontay is smarter. He can use his distance He has that powerful jab, right hand. The only thing that worries me is the chin of Deontay.
So, if Ruiz catches him, it’s lights out. Everybody knows that, but he has to catch him. I think it’s going to be a good fight.”
Ruiz shocked the world when he dropped Anthony Joshua and became the first ever Mexican Heavyweight champ. Although his celebrations were short-lived, he packs a punch that’s maximised through timing and speed.
Wilder has now been stopped twice – both time by Tyson Fury – and De La Hoya clearly thinks it could happen once more.