Andy Ruiz Jr. has his immediate future all mapped out. It includes a shot at the vacant WBC heavyweight title or a crack at Oleksandr Usyk.
The former unified champion, who battered Anthony Joshua out of America in 2019, is currently training for a clash with Luis Ortiz.
Ruiz and “King Kong” will wage war on Pay Per View in a Premier Boxing Champions event slated for September 4th.
Andy Ruiz Jr targets the WBC title.
If victorious, Ruiz hopes to fight for Tyson Fury’s green belt once the Briton finally vacates after confirming his retirement.
Should Fury decide to remain in the sport, Ruiz has a backup plan to challenge the winner of Usyk vs Joshua 2.
“The Destroyer” believes Usyk will inflict a third career loss on his ex-opponent next month. Therefore, Ruiz is already honing his skills to battle the formidable Ukrainian.
“I’m on a mission. I want to get that green belt. That’s the belt that I’m missing,” Ruiz told Elie Seckbach during a visit to his home gym.
“So I don’t know what’s going to happen or whether Tyson Fury is going to vacate the belt. I don’t know who is going to be the person to try to win that belt, but that’s my mission now. After I get that [WBC title], I can retire.
Fury is so far unsure what his future looks like despite consistently stating he won’t make a comeback. Those around him, promoters Frank Warren, Bob Arum, and his own father John, state “The Gypsy King” will defend his title.
Usyk vs Joshua 2 Prediction
Ruiz has to be ready for all possibilities that may come his way.
On Usyk vs Joshua and the challenger bringing in Robert Garcia as his new trainer, Ruiz added: “I think it’s good.
“I think he needs a Mexican on his side, especially Robert. With all his fighters, he makes them aggressive and counter-punch. That is what Anthony Joshua needs to do.
“He needs to be aggressive. He’s the bigger man, the stronger man, but Usyk is fearless. It’s hard to win against someone who is fearless and has a lot of confidence.
“I think that’s one of the keys to winning a fight when you’re the person that everyone is doubting.
“I think Usyk will be like having more motivation for his people and his country. He’ll be thinking, ‘there is no way I am going to lose. I’m going to stay champion.’
“I think Usyk has that mentality, plus he is a Christian and believes in Jesus Christ. I low-key want him to win.
“Also, that’s why I am fighting a lefty [Ortiz], so I can prepare in case I have to fight Usyk. I have got to look ahead.
“Even that guy, the six foot nine heavyweight dude that Robert Garcia has (Antonio Mireles), I feel like he’s helping me.
“He’s tall – even though I give him that really good work – he’s helping me measure Tyson Fury [for the future].”
Wilder vs Ruiz
World Boxing News often reported that Al Haymon wanted to match Ruiz with Deontay Wilder. As “The Bronze Bomber” is the number one contender with the WBC, Wilder vs Ruiz is highly possible for the vacant title once Fury steps down.
Wilder is waiting in the wings for a comeback of his own. Former sparring partner Robert Helenius could be next up in the fall.
Firstly, Ruiz cannot afford a slip-up against the dangerous veteran Luis Ortiz. He has to win.
WBN Editor Phil has over ten years of boxing news experience. Follow WBN on Facebook @officialworldboxingnews and Twitter @worldboxingnews.
