Andy Ruiz has been chasing a fight with Deontay Wilder, but it seems the former champion from Mexico now has another potential path to the top of the division.
As the heavyweight belts are tied up in negotiations for an undisputed fight between Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk, the top contenders must mix it up and get themselves well-placed for a title shot once all’s said and done.
Ruiz has tried to do just that, and was recently ordered by the WBC to face Wilder in a final eliminator for a shot at their title, held by Fury.
Whilst Wilder’s team stall and look for a ‘bigger fight’, promoter Eddie Hearn has revealed to Boxing Social that Ruiz has now been ordered to face Filip Hrgovic by another sanctioning body – the IBF.
“Actually, Filip Hrgovic has been ordered to fight Andy Ruiz for the Interim IBF World title. There’s negotiations going on between myself, Nisse and Kalle, and Tom Brown from PBC.”
Hrgovic won a final eliminator against Zhilei Zhang last time out, and was recently called to face the champion, Usyk.
That order was rescinded, leaving the hard-hitting Croatian sitting at the sidelines without a title shot. This chance to become Interim champion would now put him in an even better position for after the undisputed bout.
Whilst there’s nothing concrete, fans of Andy Ruiz will be delighted that the counter-punching heavyweight is almost certain to be in an entertaining fight next – whether that’s Wilder of Hrgovic, only time will tell.