Ruiz Wants to Claim Usyk's Titles, But First, He's Eyeing a Fight with Wilder

Andy Ruiz (35-2, 22 KOs), the former world heavyweight champion who held the WBA, WBO, IBF, and IBO titles, is actively pursuing a bout against the current world heavyweight champion, Oleksandr Usyk (21-0, 14 KOs), who currently possesses these titles. The Mexican boxer has been absent from the ring since September 2022, when he secured a victory by decision over Cuban fighter Luis Ortiz (33-3, 28 KOs). 

However, Ruiz has already outlined his plan:

"First, I'll take on Wilder, then I aim for a showdown with Fury. Afterward, my goal is to reclaim my championship belts from Usyk," said Ruiz.

The championship belts Ruiz is referring to were initially obtained through victory over Anthony Joshua in June 2019, only to be lost in their subsequent rematch. Following one more contest, Joshua relinquished the belts to Usyk.

Ruiz also made a notable mention of his former opponent: "Joshua has no intention of fighting Wilder because he's afraid of him. I believe Deontay would have beaten Anthony. But I would like to meet Wilder in the ring. I want to fight him specifically, not some other light opponents," Ruiz said.

It's crucial to highlight that discussions about a bout with Wilder are currently more advanced than those involving Usyk. The WBC has mandated that the teams of Deontay and Andy come to terms regarding a fight. The victor of this clash will contend for the title presently held by Tyson Fury. Although the teams have made several attempts at negotiations, they haven't reached an agreement. Nevertheless, Ruiz is making efforts to reopen discussions and disclosed who had hindered them previously: "Wilder and I need to have a conversation one on one. We tried to do that, but it didn't work because his trainer, Malik Scott, interfered in the discussions, and so on. However, Wilder and I need to talk as men, and I'll say to him, 'Hey, let's fight, damn it. If we can't split the purse 50-50, then let's agree on how we'll split it, and let's just make the fight happen because God told me to fight you.' I'll kick his butt. That's all I can say," Ruiz stated in an interview with Fight Hub TV.