For years, Deontay Wilder and Andy Ruiz Jr. were tipped for what was in 2019 an undisputed heavyweight clash that could have defined their legacies.
Now, after a string of near-misses, Ruiz finds himself once more on the outside looking in.
Wilder’s Focus Shifts to Usyk
As reported a few days ago, WBN revealed that Ruiz was Wilder’s number one target for a return fight — until Oleksandr Usyk upended the equation with his public call-out.
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In an exclusive with Fight Hub TV, Wilder left no ambiguity:
“Usyk, Usyk, Usyk. This is for you, Usyk. I just want to say to Usyk: I appreciate you for thinking of me. To have the boxing fans raging, and going crazy, [over] something that ain’t even happened yet, it’s almost like believing in something that you can’t see.
“To have this opportunity [against Usyk], it would be a blessing. I can’t wait to hear more details and give the fans what they want to see.”
Ruiz, who previously expressed enthusiasm for facing Wilder, now sees his path blocked. With Usyk, Tyson Fury (retired), and Anthony Joshua tied up, Wilder stands as the only top heavyweight realistically available — and Usyk has claimed his spot.
Ruiz’s Repeated Missed Opportunities
Ruiz’s track record against elite heavyweights underscores his misfortune. From previous failed negotiations to last-minute reshuffles, he has consistently found himself on the wrong side of timing and circumstance.
WBN coverage shows that even when Wilder was free, Ruiz never fully secured the opportunity — leaving him sidelined as the division’s marquee matchups continue without him.
Fan reaction emphasizes the disappointment. Social engagement around the potential Wilder vs Usyk fight has surged, generating over five million impressions since Usyk’s call-out.
Meanwhile, Ruiz’s hopes of starring in a career-defining bout are once again deferred.
Why Wilder vs Usyk Matters
The matchup represents more than just a fight — it’s a clash of styles, a heavyweight eliminator, and a legacy-defining event. For Ruiz, it’s another reminder that timing and circumstance have repeatedly denied him a shot at boxing’s most compelling narratives.
Between historical significance, fan demand, and the practical availability of contenders, Wilder vs Usyk now stands as the heavyweight showdown fans truly want — with Ruiz watching from the sidelines yet again.
Legacy on the Line
For Andy Ruiz Jr., the message is clear: he remains a talented heavyweight with past accomplishments, but when it comes to the division’s next defining fight, fate and timing have left him trailing.
Wilder’s focus on Usyk signals a new chapter for the top division elite — one Ruiz will have to watch unfold from afar despite a public face-off in Las Vegas last September.
