Sending savage warnings before boxing bouts is a common tactic used by fighters to intimidate their opponents and build up anticipation for the fight. Deontay Wilder is following the strategy aimed at instilling fear and doubt in the opponent’s mind, ultimately aiming to gain a psychological advantage in the ring.
Over the weekend, Wilder and Andy Ruiz engaged in a back-and-forth exchange of video messages on social media. The heavyweight boxers are currently in advanced negotiations to arrange a fight, with a targeted timeframe of August or September.
The public announcement of the negotiations came last week when Wilder’s trainer, Malik Scott, revealed that a substantial offer had been extended to Ruiz for the anticipated clash.
Deontay Wilder vs Andy Ruiz scheduled?
Ruiz replied on Saturday: “Wilder, we’re coming man, we’re just negotiating right now.”
On Sunday night, the Bronze Bomber made an extended response video of his own.
“Hey Andy. It’s time up for the games now buddy,” Wilder said.
“Let’s get this fight on man. We offered you a hell of a lot of money.
“Now one thing I don’t want – I don’t want you to allow others to dictate your career at this moment in time.
‼️ Deontay Wilder with an intense message to Andy Ruiz, telling him to accept his offer to fight next: “Let’s get this fight on.”
[🎥 @BronzeBomber] pic.twitter.com/f5t6JhniMW
— Michael Benson (@MichaelBensonn) June 26, 2023
Andy Ruiz Jr has officially confirmed that negotiations are in progress for a highly anticipated showdown against Deontay, pitting two former world champions against each other.
This matchup was initially expected to take place several months ago when the WBC mandated a final eliminator between its top-ranked contender, Wilder, and the second-ranked Ruiz, to determine the next challenger for Fury’s championship belt.
However, despite both fighters being under the PBC banner at that time, discussions failed to yield any significant progress.
Andy Ruiz’s reply to Deontay Wilder
Andy Ruiz replies to Deontay Wilder… pic.twitter.com/H8GlsF5I3r
— Michael Benson (@MichaelBensonn) June 26, 2023
Nevertheless, there appears to have been a shift behind the scenes, as Ruiz recently released a video expressing his intention to face Wilder, stating emphatically that he is “coming” for him.
“We’re getting it – make sure you guys tune in. Big things coming up. Wilder, we’re coming, man. We’re just negotiating right now.”
Ruiz’s response comes after Wilder and his trainer, Malik Scott, announced that a contract had been sent this week, prompting Ruiz to acknowledge the developments.
If all goes according to plan, the fight is expected to take place in September.
This upcoming bout will mark Ruiz’s first test inside the boxing ring since his decision victory over Luis Ortiz in September of the previous year. Following his defeat to Anthony Joshua in 2019, Ruiz has bounced back with two wins. The first being against Chris Arreola.
While Wilder has been in action more recently than his potential opponent. He cannot boast the preparation of a full twelve-round fight.
However, his impressive first-round knockout of Robert Helenius in October signaled a triumphant return after two consecutive losses to Tyson Fury and contemplating retirement. Outside of the reigning champions, Fury and Oleksandr Usyk. Boxing fans widely consider a Wilder-Ruiz matchup to be one of the most captivating and deserving bouts in the sport.
In the event of a victory, Wilder has his sights set on a potential December showdown with Joshua.
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