Heavyweight Chris Arreola has given his two cents on a potential meeting between Deontay Wilder and Andy Ruiz next year – and he’s backing Wilder to come out on top against fellow Mexican American Ruiz.
Speaking to Fight Hub TV, Arreola admitted he believes the fight will be close, but ultimately ‘The Bronze Bomber’ will be too much physically for Ruiz.
“It’s a fun fight – but I pick Wilder. You can’t teach size and he’s a big dude.
He’s been in there with the best of the best.
It’s a close fight of course, and you can never count ‘The Destroyer’ out.”
On how Ruiz could potentially get the better of Wilder, Arreola suggested:
“Be more active – you can’t stay on the outside and get pot-shotted.
Wilder will be, flick, flick, flick, boom.
If he [Ruiz] stays out there – it’ll be a short night. Andy has to stay inside and keep his hands busy.”
Arreola is better placed than most when it comes to sizing up Wilder and Ruiz, having shared a ring with both men. The 41-year-old was on the wrong end of a decision against Ruiz last time out, whilst his corner pulled him out after eight rounds against then-WBC world champion Wilder.
Wilder vs Ruiz is the fight on everyone’s lips stateside, with a meeting between the two rumoured to be in the works for the first half of 2023.
After Ruiz defeated Cuban veteran Luis Ortiz via decision last weekend, the focus now turns to Wilder, who faces Finn Robert Helenius on October 15th in his first fight since his second defeat to Tyson Fury last year.
Helenius is a tough opponent for Wilder, but should he get through, one of the biggest all-American heavyweight fights in years sits waiting.