Eddie Hearn has went public with his pick for a potential fight between Deontay Wilder and Andy Ruiz Jr – and he’s backing Ruiz to come out on top.
Speaking to the DAZN Boxing Show, Hearn elaborated that he believes Ruiz has the style to get the better of Wilder, though conceded Wilder’s power could prove to be an equaliser in the contest.
‘I think Wilder-Ruiz is a great fight. We’ll see what happens in the Helenius fight, but if Wilder wins that fight, I would love to see Andy Ruiz against Deontay Wilder.
‘I really fancy Andy Ruiz in that fight. He’s the smaller guy, winging those shots over the top if he can get on the inside against Wilder. Wilder can beat anybody on his day. He has great power.’
‘What I’m saying is Andy Ruiz is a nightmare for tall guys because his movement is so good, and it’s difficult for small guys to get on the inside.
‘He does get on the inside, and he’s not afraid to let them go when he gets there, and he’s not afraid to trade. But Wilder has the power to take anyone out, including Andy Ruiz, but it’s a great fight.’
Wilder and Ruiz seem destined to meet in 2023, provided ‘The Bronze Bomber’ comes through his comeback fight with dangerous Finn Robert Helenius this Saturday night in New York.
The potential clash would serve as a final eliminator for Tyson Fury’s WBC world title – meaning a FOURTH fight between Fury and Wilder could still be on the cards.