Deontay Wilder vs Andy Ruiz Jr. moved closer this week after the WBC sanctioned the Luis Ortiz fight as an eliminator.
As World Boxing News reported, Wilder vs Ruiz is wanted by Al Haymon on Pay Per View soon.
The winner of Ruiz vs Ortiz will now have the official backing of the World Boxing Council as a title challenger.
Deontay Wilder vs Andy Ruiz Jr
This outcome means whoever comes out on top will be in line to face the number one contender, Wilder, for the right to contest the belt.
With champion Tyson Fury linked to exhibitions and unlikely to agree to a fourth fight with Wilder or to face Ruiz, the likeliness is that the WBC will sanction an interim or vacant bout.
Therefore, Wilder vs Ruiz – once set in stone, could see the WBC heavyweight title on the line in some capacity,
The only danger is an Ortiz win scuppering the party.
WBC Eliminator
Revealing their decision, the WBC said: “Former heavyweight champion Andy Ruiz returns to the ring to face Luis’ King Kong’ Ortiz on September 4 at the Crypto Arena in Los Angeles, California.
“Andy Ruiz, 32, hadn’t fought since May 1, 2021, when he defeated Chris Arreola unanimously.
“His rival, Luis “King Kong” Ortiz, 43, has a record of 33 wins with 28 knockouts and two losses via KO.
“His most recent fight was on January 1 this year, winning by knockout against Charles Martin in Hollywood.
“This fight will be an eliminator endorsed by the World Boxing Council.”
Deontay Wilder on Pay Per View
As previously stated, Ruiz is massively interested in battling Wilder. It’s the most significant heavyweight fight out there right now with Fury semi-retired.
Haymon knows it becomes even more prominent with a bonafide championship on the line and could do well on PPV buys.
Discussing Ortiz and Wilder, Ruiz focuses on the WBC shot.
“I have to get back and work hard. The name is there, the talent is there,” said Ruiz in a FighHhype interview. “All I have to do is stay disciplined and work hard.
“I have all the right fights {Deontay Wilder] in me.
“I didn’t want to take easy fights, so I waited. We’re fighting Luis Ortiz because he’s an awkward, hard-hitting guy.
“I’m not underestimating him like my last fight [Chris Arreola] or nothing. We’re actually training hard.
WBC heavyweight title
If I win [against Ortiz], I would want to fight Wilder if he comes out of retirement,” he added. “I got all these houses, but my dreams are not done.
“But I want that WBC belt. I told my son, ‘I’m not going to retire until I have this WBC belt.
“Even if I lost again and lost another time, I’m still fighting until I get this belt.
“I want to stay champion, stay relevant with the WBC belt. Little by little, we’re getting there.”
Haymon’s diverted plan from 2020 is on the rails with the bonus of a world title in tow.
WBN Editor Phil has over ten years of boxing news experience. Furthermore, follow WBN on Facebook @officialworldboxingnews and Twitter @worldboxingnews.
