Andy Ruiz Jr. has targeted a trio of alternates to Deontay Wilder after failing to secure a WBC final eliminator despite a mandatory ruling.
The World Boxing Council put forward Ruiz to face Wilder for the right to challenge Tyson Fury. The stipulation came with the blessing of Al Haymon, who represented both fighters then.
It was assumed the battle would be easy to make and top a Premier Boxing Champions Pay Per View on Showtime. However, it didn’t get over the line, and Ruiz has since parted company with Haymon and PBC.
Following a deadlock in negotiations, Ruiz has focused on landing one of three targets and questioned his old rival Anthony Joshua’s rematch win in December 2019.
“I would like to face Usyk, I would like to face Tyson Fury, I would like to face Anthony Joshua. We could do the trilogy [with AJ],” said Ruiz when speaking to former world champion Jessie Vargas on Make a Move.
Asked about losing his titles to AJ despite knocking him out in the first meeting six months earlier, Ruiz responded: “That’s something that makes me want to cry.
“In the rematch with Anthony Joshua, I didn’t do anything right. I didn’t even train for the fight. How did I last the twelve rounds? That was for him to knock me out easy.
“This time, when I do get the crown and become heavyweight champion of the world again, I’m going to do everything right and stay champion,” he added.
Andy Ruiz Jr. vs Anthony Joshua III
That final statement would presume Joshuja would be his first choice. It’s been well-documented that discussions with Wilder are not going smoothly. The Briton also wants to fight in December, giving Ruiz sufficient time to get in shape.
Anyone’s guess is where that leaves a title shot for both Ruiz and Wilder. The WBC looks set to confirm Wilder and Joshua for an eliminator, as they did with Ruiz.
Wilder and Joshua are one and two in the new rankings. However, that makes no guarantee that a deal will be struck, as Ruiz knows only too well.
“The WBC Board of Governors has ruled to cancel the order issued during the last annual convention calling for a final elimination bout between Deontay Wilder and Andy Ruiz Jr.
“The fight would determine the mandatory challenger of the division. The WBC will evaluate the current situation in the division to review the viable options.
“If necessary, the WBC will issue a new ruling. This will occur during the annual WBC convention in Uzbekistan in November.”
Making the official judgment in November means Wilder vs Joshua is unlikely until at least March, when the WBC will bless the fight.
That gives Ruiz a definitive timeframe to land the Joshua fight before anyone else gets in the way.
Phil Jay is an experienced boxing news writer.
