World Boxing News reported two years ago that Deontay Wilder vs. Andy Ruiz Jr. was a heavyweight fight at the top of the PBC list.
Now, after completing the eliminator formalities with the World Boxing Council last month and in October, WBN understands that the Wilder vs. Ruiz matchup will be confirmed in the coming weeks.
Wilder lost twice to Tyson Fury last week, defeating Robert Helenius in 177 seconds. For his part, Ruiz defeated former Wilder opponent Luis Ortiz in September.
Both bouts were ratified and sanctioned by the WBC in the semi-finals of the Premier Boxing Champions.
The dust has settled and Al Haymon has only one thing on his mind, despite the talk of Anthony Joshua or Joe Joyce.
When is the Deontay Wilder vs. Andy Ruiz Jr. fight?
He wants either Wilder or Ruiz to fill Fury’s coveted mandatory slot in 2023. This is a fact. It remains only to agree on the date and place.
WBN believes Las Vegas is the favorite between February and May. It depends on whether or not Mexican boxing star Canelo Alvarez intends to accept that Cinco de Mayo date.
Canelo is nursing an injury that could keep him out of a regular Nevada date.
A May 6 cross on the calendar would be ideal for both fighters with previous lane headlining experience and the Mexican angle.
New York [Barclays Center, Wilder’s top territory] and Los Angeles [Ruiz’s best venue, the old Staples Center] are currently excluded in favor of neutral ground.
Wilder’s trainer Malik Scott said he doesn’t want the “Bronze Bomber” to fight Ruiz. However, this is not his decision, and the wheels have already turned.
Ruiz wants Wilder
Ruiz is on board, as he has been for months. While his father, Andy Ruiz Sr., is very clear about who he wants his son to face.
“Wilder is who we want,” Elder said IZKERDAZA. “There is nothing [officially done yet] because we have until December to decide who he will fight.
On the possibility of Joshua or Alexander Usyk turning Wilder’s head, Ruiz added: “I think Wilder wants Usyk or Joshua.
“He [Malik Scott] said that he was not interested in it. But we hope the fight will happen because they will make it mandatory.”
At this point, it seems that Wilder would rather go for another fight with Fury than try to negotiate with Joshua.
Fury’s team recently found out that things don’t always go smoothly with Joshua. Similar to what happened with Wilder in 2018.
Whether he wants to burn his fingers again and spend more time on his career is another story.
In 2023, Joshua will likely face several opponents who will regain his reputation after Usyk’s two losses to the former heavyweight champion.
The British fighter needs a few knockouts to get flowing again. Another loss at this stage of his career is unthinkable, so avoid Fury.
Fury vs. Usyk
As for Usyk, WBN understands that a Fury fight has already been agreed for next year in the Middle East, possibly in Dubai, Abu Dhabi or Saudi Arabia.
That leaves The Gypsy King and Usyk to focus on each other, and Wilder is ready Ruiz as the most attractive bantamweight title match.
Crowned the first ever king of the Mexican American division after defeating AJ, Ruiz still has one fight left on his PBC contract. After negotiations are completed, the fight with Wilder should be in the bag by December.
The WBC has already confirmed that the winner will owe Fury a fight for the WBC heavyweight title until the end of next year. Fans will be salivating at the prospect of Fury facing the best heavyweights.
Either Wilder for the fourth time or Ruiz in a technical clash after his undisputed fight with Usyk.
Deontay Wilder – WBC Mandatory
Fury vs. Wilder 4 or Ruiz for the WBC title will be on the cards in the first quarter of 2024 as Joe Joyce is the next mandatory in the WBO.
If Wilder somehow decides against Ruiz, as no fight is ever 100 percent guaranteed, “The Destroyer” could turn to Frank Sanchez, according to his father.
“There is one more fight left [with Al Haymon]. I was not told who we will fight,” he added.
“It could be with another Cuban, with Frank Sanchez. But let’s see who they want to put it with.
“What’s pretty much a given is that Andy will be back in action sometime in the spring. If not Wilder, they are ready to fight anyone,” Ruiz Sr. concluded.
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Deontay Wilder vs Andy Ruiz Jr awaits Canelo decision for May 6
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