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Deontay Wilder Urges Andy Ruiz To Sign Contract: “I’m Sick And Tired Of Waiting”

Written by Kerr Ferguson on 26th June 2023.

Deontay Wilder and Andy Ruiz Jr

Deontay Wilder has advised Andy Ruiz Jr not to miss out on ‘a hell of a lot of money’ as their negotiations continue.

The two former champions are set to fight in a WBC final eliminator to determine the next challenger for Tyson Fury’s world title and, after months of silence on the matter, seem to finally be getting somewhere.

A clash of the two former world champions is a welcome move for fans who feel starved of heavyweight action in 2023, but it’s not signed yet.

Wilder shared a video message to his potential opponent, urging him to ‘dictate his own career’ in a relatively cryptic call out.

“Hey yo Andy. It’s time up for the games now, buddy, let’s get this fight on. We offered you a hell of a lot of money. Now, one thing I don’t want is for you to allow others to dictate your career at this moment in time. It’s only a short period of time that you have.

You gotta man up to responsibilities, because if you allow others to dictate your life at this point in time, you’re gonna end up with nothing. Zero. Broke, my man, okay? I have no more time to wait on about you and this situation … I think you should take it.”

Wilder went on to repeat his advice to Ruiz for a second time, giving the video more of a ‘concerned father’ angle rather than fight opponent.

Whether or not he’s caught wind of Ruiz’s team considering another direction remains to be seen. Both continue to be linked with PBC.

He finished his video on a note that will resonate with fans – enough is enough.

“Let’s get it signed sealed and delivered. I’m sick and tired of sitting around man. Let’s give the people what they’re asking for. Enough is enough. Ball’s in your court now, baby. Let’s get it.”

Ruiz responded with simply ‘be ready.’ The target date for the fight is early September, with any delays then threatening Wilder’s advanced talks with Saudi Arabia to face Anthony Joshua in December.

For that reason, an official announcement must come relatively soon.