Deontay Wilder’s trainer, Malik Scott, has revealed that Andy Ruiz Jr is the likely next opponent for his charge.
Last November, the WBC ordered Wilder and Ruiz to face each other to become mandatory for a shot at Tyson Fury’s belt.
However, after promising noises to begin with, talks appeared to fizzle out then went completely quiet – but Scott has now told ES News that the fight is the likely next option.
“That’s the buzz fight right now and it’s looking like that might be the route we end up going.
Deontay is in the position where so many big fights are lined up that any thing or any opponent can possibly change. Andy Ruiz is definitely one of the main options right now and we’ll see where it lands at.
In my opinion I’d like to see it at the crypto centre and I like Vegas.”
Most of the recent speculation around ‘The Bronze Bomber’ has been about a blockbuster clash with Anthony Joshua. ‘AJ’s promoter, Eddie Hearn, has been in talks with Saudi Arabia representatives and is hopeful of that fight taking place in December. Scott says it’s ‘still on the menu’.
“We’ll see what happens, we’ve still got Anthony Joshua on the menu – all of them on the menu. Ruiz, Joshua Usyk, and they all will get the same treatment.
Big fights and exciting times.”
Wilder hasn’t been seen in the ring since his first round demolition of Robert Helenius last October.
As for Ruiz, he’s been out of action even longer – not stepping inside the ropes since his unanimous decision victory over Luis Ortiz over ten months ago.