Tyson Fury’s next opponent is either not finalised or not Andy Ruiz Jr, according to Frank Warren.
The WBC Heavyweight Champion was last in the ring with Derek Chisora in December of 2022. His one-sided victory let him enter negotiations with the division’s other champion, Oleksandr Usyk, but talks faltered and failed after three months.
If hopes of an undisputed clash are to be kept alive, Fury must fight and keep his belt. The front runner for a dance partner has been former unified champion – albeit briefly – Andy Ruiz Jr. Following the loss of his belts back to Anthony Joshua in an immediate rematch, ‘The Destroyer’ boxed and beat Chris Arreola and Luis Ortiz.
Ruiz shared a social media post to say that the fight was official for July 22 in the UK, but Frank Warren has now confirmed to Boxing News that this is ‘not true’.
The July date has long been rumoured for ‘The Gypsy King’s return, and Wembley Stadium the natural host. That may change now with reports that Zhilei Zhang is in the mix following a career-best victory over Joe Joyce. The 39-year-old has suggested his home country of China as a location.
Mexican-American, Ruiz, is number two in the WBC’s heavyweight rankings behind Fury’s three-time opponent and former champion, Deontay Wilder.
The WBC, though, has been slow to call a mandatory for their champion. A final eliminator between Wilder and Ruiz was ordered last year, however talks came to nothing.
With Wilder moving towards a big fight with Anthony Joshua, it technically puts Ruiz next in line. Fans still await the delivery of Fury’s promise of ‘monstrous’ fight news.