Andy Ruiz Jr. confirmed that he was in talks with Deontay Wilder about the fight. This is the fight boxing fans expected to see months ago when the WBC ordered #1 Wilder to fight #2 Ruiz in the final eliminator to determine who would be next in line for the belt. Tyson Fury.
It was in November, and despite both being PBC fighters at the time, the negotiations were unsuccessful. However, Ruiz said today that he is "going" for Wilder.
“We are on the way — guys, look carefully. Big news is coming. Wilder, here we go, man. We are negotiating,” Ruiz said in one of the social networks.
Ruiz's message was a response to Wilder and his coach Malik Scott, who stated that Ruiz's contract was sent this week. The fight of the former world champions could have taken place in September.
This could be Ruiz's first fight since defeating Luis Ortiz last September. Before that, Ruiz passed Chris Arreola, and even earlier lost his titles in a rematch with Anthony Joshua in 2019.
Wilder fought a little later than his potential opponent, but certainly cannot boast of a 12-round preparation. His first-round victory over Robert Helenius in October was an impressive comeback after two straight losses to Tyson Fury and a brief hiatus due to a retirement question.
If Wilder wins in September, he could face Joshua in December.