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Andy Ruiz Jr

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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.

Andy Ruiz Jr Usyk vs Wilder

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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.

Deontay Wilder and Andy Ruiz Jr pose at Allegiant Stadium

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.

Once an Undisputed Heavyweight Fight, Wilder vs Ruiz Reignites Amid Fan Frenzy

Even years after Deontay Wilder and Andy Ruiz Jr. almost clashed in an undisputed heavyweight fight, fan reaction proves the bout is far from forgotten.

Coverage by World Boxing News has generated almost five million social media impressions since the idea of a blockbuster was floated. Boxing’s top division is clearly craving this showdown.

The frenzy isn’t just online chatter. It reflects a real, tangible demand for the fight today. While other potential matchups remain in limbo, Ruiz recently confirmed to Covers that Wilder is the only top heavyweight realistically available in the coming months.

Deontay Wilder and Andy Ruiz Jr Face-off

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“Usyk, Tyson Fury, Joshua, and (Deontay) Wilder for sure – four of them. Those are the big names,” Ruiz said. With Usyk, Fury, and Joshua tied up, Wilder is the only one free to fight soon.

The implications are clear: a clash of styles isn’t just a nostalgic dream. It’s strategically smart for Ruiz, and the division needs it to maintain momentum. The combination of historical significance, high fan interest, and practical availability sets the stage for one of the year’s most compelling heavyweight bouts.

Fan Reaction Sparks Wilder vs Ruiz Blockbuster Buzz
Social engagement on WBN’s coverage has surged in the past 24 hours. Fans across Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook are debating the fight, sharing clips, and demanding a battle. The 5 million impressions underline just how much boxing audiences still care about this showdown.

Ruiz’s comments highlight the scarcity of viable big-money opponents. While Usyk, Tyson Fury, and Joshua are unavailable due to other commitments, Wilder stands out as the only top heavyweight who can step into the ring soon. Fan interest and availability perfectly align for a potential heavyweight eliminator.

Why Fans Crave Wilder vs Ruiz
Between historical significance, fan demand, and realistic availability, Wilder vs Ruiz ticks all the boxes. The fight represents unfinished business, a chance for both men to cement their legacies, and a heavyweight clash that boxing enthusiasts are clearly invested in.

Social media metrics prove that fans are eager, engaged, and ready for the drama to continue as both fighters stare at imminent retirement.

Andy Ruiz Jr has slimmed down significantly in preparation for a return to the ring.

The Mexican-American puncher hasn’t boxed since last August when he was held to a disputed majority draw by Jarrell Miller in Los Angeles.

However, he is now training and dieting again.

Ruiz's win over Joshua can be considered among the greatest upsets in boxing history

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Taking to Instagram on Wednesday, Ruiz Jr posted a picture of some food prep, with the caption: “Gotta start now and only eat protein for 3 weeks.

“Getting ready before fight camp.”

‘The Destroyer’ then followed up his post with a shirtless snap, devoid of his famous gut.

“Slow but surely,” he wrote underneath. “Work in progress…”

Ruiz Jr usually operates between 255lbs and 265lbs, but for his last bout with Miller, he came in at 274lbs – his second heaviest weight to date.

The 35-year-old looked sluggish and was fortunate to scrape a draw.

Yet judging from recent pictures, he looks to be boiling down to his ideal fight weight as he starts the arduous climb back to the top.

Ruiz Jr tipped the scales at 268lbs when he stunned the boxing world by snatching the unified WBA, WBO and IBF heavyweight titles from Anthony Joshua in June 2019.

He is seemingly on the verge of mounting a comeback and looks to be in great shape

The heavy underdog stepped in on five weeks’ notice to replace Miller after the American failed a trio of drug tests and dropped AJ three times en route to a shocking seventh-round knockout win.

A rematch was then booked for December, and while Joshua took himself away from all of the external distractions and left no stone unturned in training, Ruiz Jr’s camp was less than ideal.

Ruiz Jr admits he spent three months partying and celebrating his career-best win, leading to 15lbs of weight gain.

The stocky boxer came in at a whopping 283.5lbs for their sequel and laboured to a wide unanimous decision loss.

“I don’t want to say the three months of partying or celebrating didn’t affect me, as to tell you the truth, it kind of did,” Ruiz said in the immediate aftermath.

“There’s no excuses. The partying got the best of me. The next fight is going to be a lot different.”

Ruiz Jr never got his trilogy bout with Joshua, despite his best efforts, while his career has stagnated since their second meeting.

The former heavyweight world champion has only fought three times in the last six years: a pair of wins over Chris Arreola and Luis Ortiz and the aforementioned draw with Miller.