From Champion to Unranked: Andy Ruiz's WBC Status Takes a Hit

The World Boxing Council (WBC) has removed former heavyweight champ Andy Ruiz (35-2, 22 KOs) from its rankings due to his prolonged inactivity, having not fought in over a year. Previously ranked 5th in the WBC, Ruiz was on the verge of negotiation talks with Deontay Wilder for a challenger status fight. However, he's now dropped out of the top 40.

In late October, Ruiz disclosed that he had undergone shoulder surgery and plans a 2024 return to the ring. Though he's fallen out of the WBA and IBF's top 15, he remains 6th in the WBO rankings. His last fight was in September 2022, defeating Luis Ortiz unanimously.

Deontay Wilder commented on the Council's decision: "We always warned him about it. His father was the one who kept saying Andy wanted to fight, but when the time came, all we heard was a bunch of excuses. They overestimated themselves. We told them, 'With that mentality, you will stay on the shelf.' They believe they should get huge money if they beat Joshua and win titles, but they only held the belts for six months. Hence, you can't take that stance and hold yourself hostage. Yes, Ruiz was champion, but for a very short period. What can you do about it? You haven't had a title defense. It makes all the difference," Wilder said.

Wilder is set to face Joseph Parker on December 23. The WBC president has indicated that if Wilder wins and meets Anthony Joshua in 2024, that match would qualify for the winner of the bout between Usyk and Fury.