Tyson Fury could be facing Andy Ruiz Jr next, and a prediction from years ago is doing the rounds.
‘The Gypsy King’ has held the WBC Heavyweight Title since February of 2022, successfully defending it three times. Negotiations with the division’s other champion, Oleksandr Usyk, for an undisputed bout recently fell apart, leaving the Brit without a dance partner.
Former unified champion, Ruiz, is ranked number two with the WBC and is frontrunner to fill the opposite corner. With quick hands and Mexican grit, he announced himself on the world stage by shocking Anthony Joshua to win the titles. He would go on to lose them in an immediate rematch, and has gained two victories since then.
Speaking on Mike Tyson’s Hotboxin’ podcast, Fury complimented Ruiz but went on to say that he was on a different level.
“I think his win over Joshua was a very good win on two week’s notice.”
“I would tie one hand behind my back and use the other one to jab his nut right up. Pop, pop, pop. That would be the easiest fight ever.”
Tyson Fury on Andy Ruiz 👀pic.twitter.com/nrJS0pF1r1
— Football and Fight news ⚽️🥊 (@FootyandFights) May 1, 2023
The stats say he could, with Ruiz giving away five inches in height to Fury and nine in reach. However, he’s been the underdog before.
There will be a distinct sense of disappointment regardless of who Fury defends against – whether that’s Ruiz, Zhilei Zhang or somebody else entirely.
Fans are still reeling from the failed talks with Usyk for one of, if not the biggest fight in the sport. Both teams will look to revisit those after a fight each, and the hope is that the fallout from last time will get it over the line even despite and financial disagreements.