Deontay Wilder’s trainer Malik Scott has spoken out about a potential meeting with Andy Ruiz Jr in 2023 – and insists the former unified world champion is NOT the opponent he wants next for Wilder.
Speaking to BBC Sport, Scott revealed Wilder’s goal remains becoming undisputed heavyweight champion of the world and, as such, has his sights set on the likes of Oleksandr Usyk.
“It’s the second half of his career, he’s not in this for the money, but the fight he should take (next) is a high-profile, big time fight.
It’ll be Oleksandr Usyk or it’d be Anthony Joshua next. I’m not interested in Deontay fighting Andy Ruiz or Frank Sanchez, none of those guys. He wants to be undisputed heavyweight champion of the world.”
Wilder and Ruiz share a promoter in Al Haymon, and many in the sport believe a meeting next summer in a final eliminator for Tyson Fury’s WBC title is in the works.
‘The Bronze Bomber’ has more pressing business to take care of before a potential fight with Ruiz, Usyk, Joshua or anyone else can be discussed, as he faces Finland’s Robert Helenius this Saturday in what will be Wilder’s first time in a boxing ring since his second defeat to Tyson Fury 12 months ago.
Although Wilder goes into the fight this weekend as favourite, victory over Helenius is far from a foregone conclusion, with the 38-year-old enjoying an Indian summer in recent years; back-to-back victories over Adam Kownacki showing Helenius still has plenty to offer despite his age.