Former WBC heavyweight champion, Deontay Wilder, has made his confidence clear ahead of a potential fight with Andy Ruiz Jr as he seeks to mount a title charge to win back the belt that he held for over five years.
Over recent months, Wilder has been linked to a fight with Ruiz, with the victor set to become the WBC mandatory challenger and be given an opportunity to fight for the title against Tyson Fury.
Wilder won the WBC title in 2015 and made eleven successful defences before being knocked out by Fury in February 2020.
After losing to ‘The Gypsy King’ once more – despite an improved performance under new trainer Malik Scott – the fighter from Alabama took a year away from the ring and returned with a statement knockout against Robert Helenius late last year.
Ruiz also has world title experience, having pulled off one of the biggest upsets since the turn of the millennium when he defeated Anthony Joshua in 2019 to become the unified world champion.
Whilst Wilder has participated in just one round in the last fourteen months, the Mexican has gone the full twelve rounds in his last two fights against Chris Arreola and Luis Ortiz – winning via decision on both occasions.
In an interview with ES News, Wilder explained his fearlessness and belief that Ruiz simply doesn’t have enough quality to beat him.
“Andy is a good fighter. I like his speed, his willingness, and his bravery, but it’s not going to be enough for me, though,”
“He’s going to have to put an extra recipe on top of everything I named. He’s going to have to put some more on it because I am the man. I am that man.
That’s why they fear me. Do you understand? With me, you’re going to need extra help, and I’m not just talking about you by yourself.”
As talks seems to be finally progressing, the date continues to be the sticking point.
The bout was initially rumoured for May, however that date would be close to Errol Spence Jr versus Keith Thurman – which would also be a PBC pay-per-view – meaning that the heavyweight clash is likely going to take place a month later in June.