Deontay Wilder’s trainer has said that if they must face Andy Ruiz Jr per the WBC’s orders, then so be it.
Ever since Deontay Wilder knocked out Robert Helenius in one round, announcing himself back on the heavyweight scene after a bit of a lay off, his name has been mentioned alongside Andy Ruiz.
The two former champions have now officially been ordered by the WBC to fight in a final eliminator that will determine who is next in line for a shot at Tyson Fury’s title – the one previously held by Wilder.
ES News caught up with ‘The Bronze Bomber’s trainer and friend, Malik Scott. Despite recent comments suggesting he might advise his fighter to swerve the Ruiz fight in favour of bigger global stars, Scott seems to be willing to respect the WBC’s decision
“It’s exciting news. It’s no secret that I wanted the [Oleksandr] Usyk or the Anthony Joshua fight for Deontay, it’s big time boxing, but if Andy Ruiz is who we have to line up and get rid of then so be it.”
Scott then gave his assessment of Ruiz as a fighter, pointing to the Mexican’s speed – which was showcased the night he won the heavyweight belts back in 2019 – as his most dangerous attribute.
“Andy has fast hands, he’s explosive. Usually when you describe a fighter and say he’s short or he’s shorter, that can come across as a disadvantage. But in Andy’s case, being short he [knows] how to use his height to get under … I’ve already begun drawing it up and we’re going to get in the lab, and we gonna’ put him on his ass.”
Whilst Scott went on to be complimentary about Ruiz’ performance against Luis Ortiz recently, particularly praising his ability to take a shot, he seems confident that his man can end the potential fight inside the distance – and why wouldn’t he be? Wilder has knocked out every man he’s faced other than Fury.
With everyone seemingly on board, negotiations should begin soon – and with Wilder and Ruiz both represented by PBC, the talks should be as simple as they get in boxing.