Ruiz Jr. returns in January, targets Wilder

Former heavyweight champion Andy Ruiz Jr. (34-2, 22 KOs) will not return to the ring until January, not as originally planned later this year.

First-time winner of Anthony Joshua, who last fought in May after defeating Chris Arreola, sees Deontay Wilder (42-1-1, 41 KOs) among his potential opponents for next year.

"It would be a great fight. We fight for the same team, it's just business. I think I can beat him. It needs to be done!" Ruiz stated on the Last Stand Podcast interview.

Ruiz Jr. also touched on Alexander Usyk's win over Anthony Joshua and the speculation that the Ukrainian might hit the ground running, as Ruiz himself did after beating the Brit. Although the Mexican doesn't know Usyk personally, he expressed hope that the newly crowned champion will keep his sporting regimen.

"I wouldn't want him to make the same mistakes I did," Ruiz Jr. said. "Win all the belts, have fun, do stupid things and not worry about keeping those belts. I'm pretty sure Usyk will do the right thing."