The venue for Deontay Wilder vs. Andy Ruiz Jr. is revealed

World Boxing News reported this week that Deontay Wilder vs. Andy Ruiz Jr. is expected to take place in Las Vegas in the first half of 2023.

Both are aware of the mandatory WBC eliminator sanction for the clash, ultimately deciding who faces the heavyweight champion, the winner of Tyson Fury vs. Alexander Usyk.

WBN said Wilder vs. Ruiz Jr. could take place on Cinco de Mayo weekend, but only if Canelo Alvarez is ruled out of his usual spot.

Canelo is nursing an injury that makes it unclear whether he will be ready for his spring return. The Mexican superstar also believes that his body needs rest after a relentless series of star confrontations.

That scenario means Wilder vs. Ruiz could accept the coveted May 6 date when Canela passes on its normal right of way.

Eddie Hearn recently responded when DAZN asked him if Canelo would fight in May: “I believe so. Given his wrist, but I think so.’

Ruiz’s father, Andy Sr., recently confirmed that his son is considering his next fight in May. So waiting until the first weekend of this month makes sense if Canelo is sidelined.

“There is one more fight left [with Al Haymon]. They didn’t tell me who we were going to fight with,” Elder ISKERDATSO said.

“It could be with another Cuban, with Frank Sanchez. But let’s see who they want to put it with [next time].

“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.

When and where will Deontay Wilder fight Andy Ruiz Jr.?

However, Ruiz fought back in September, defeating Luis Ortiz. Wilder scored a knockout in 177 seconds on Oct. 15 against Helenius, so they may be looking at other dates.

Wilder recently knocked out Robert Helenius in the first round of their fight at the Barclays Center. It can be fresh until January-February after a short break.

Right now, Premier Boxing Champions have started securing dates. They held several slots at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on the famous strip.

These are January 7, January 28, February 4 and March 18. The latter two would be the most promising for Wilder vs. Ruiz, and March is the ideal scenario if Canelo wants to make an early comeback.

WBN reported that New York and Los Angeles, the two favorite venues for Wilder and Ruiz recently, are not being considered by the PBC to provide a neutral ground for the fight.

Fury or Usyk

The winner of that fight will get the next mandatory fight for the WBC title, with Fury vs. Usyk likely to take place around the same time in Saudi Arabia.

Joe Joyce, the number one with the WBO belt, will probably get the first opportunity. That would leave either Deontay Wilder or Andy Ruiz on their feet until early 2024.

Anyone can consider facing Anthony Joshua if the Briton gets back into the win column in the coming months.

Joshua defeated Ruiz by unanimous decision in a rematch in December 2019. Ruiz knocked out AJ last June with brutal knockdowns.

Whatever opponent is in their future will be decided after they face off in the final of the WBC Heavyweight Mini-Tournament, sanctioned by Mauricio Suleiman at the request of Al Haimon.

The “Gypsy King” or Usyk will be waiting for two of the best heavyweights on the planet outside of the title picture.

WBN editor Phil Jay has over a decade of experience in boxing news. Also, follow WBN on Facebook @officialworldboxingnews, Instagram and Twitter @world boxing news.