Since the last few days, there are rumours circulating that the matchup between Deontay Wilder and Andy Ruiz is getting closer. It is needless to say The Bronze Bomber has a lot of options on his plate. With Anthony Joshua expected to be his main target this year, the super fight will most likely take place at the Skills Challenge tournament in December in Saudi Arabia.
With that being said, if the former WBC heavyweight champion signs a contract with Skills Challenge, then the matchup against Ruiz would have to take place before September. Because he will need to prepare for his fight against AJ for at least two to three months.
Malik Scott hints potential bout between Deontay Wilder vs Andy Ruiz before Anthony Joshua fight
Deontay Wilder last fought against Robert Helenius in 2022 where he picked up a resounding knockout win in the first round of the bout. However, after winning that fight, there hasn’t been any major update about his return to the boxing ring. As per reports, Wilder is expected to take part in the four-man heavyweight tournament and face Anthony Joshua in the first round in December.
The Bronze Bomber’s trainer Malik Scott dropped a major hint about Wilder’s next opponent in a recent interview. Scott stated that Andy Ruiz is one of their main targets and they are working towards that matchup. He also added that Wilder wants to fight everyone and avenge his loss to Tyson Fury in the future.
‼️ Deontay Wilder's trainer Malik Scott has stated that Wilder could fight Andy Ruiz next before Anthony Joshua in Saudi Arabia in December: “It's looking like that may be the route that we end up going… Andy Ruiz is definitely one of the main options right now.” [@Seckbach] pic.twitter.com/TGTO74Jsdj
— Michael Benson (@MichaelBensonn) June 19, 2023
“Looking like the route we may end up going but Deontay’s in a position where so many big fights are lined up that anything, any opponent could possibly change. Andy Ruiz is definitely one of the main options right now and we’ll see where we land at. In my opinion, I would love to see that at the Crypto Centre (in Los Angeles). I would love to see it.”
“Still got Anthony Joshua on the menu. Anthony Joshua’s still on the menu. Fury, all of them on the menu and they will all get the same treatment.”
Eddie Hearn dismisses Wilder vs Andy Ruiz rumors
With trainer Malik Scott confirming that Deontay Wilder wants to fight Andy Ruiz in his next fight in August or September, Anthony Joshua‘s promoter Eddie Hearn was questioned whether there is any possibility of that matchup taking place. The British promoter explained the only way Wilder vs Ruiz will take place is if the former champion does not take part in the four-man tournament.
Eddie Hearn believes that despite recent reports, Deontay Wilder WILL NOT be facing Andy Ruiz ahead of a Saudi clash with Anthony Joshua ❌#DeontayWilder | #EddieHearn | #WilderRuiz pic.twitter.com/WEqAlubeDw
— IFL TV (@IFLTV) June 20, 2023
“If Deontay Wilder is going to fight Anthony Joshua, he definitely isn’t going to fight Andy Ruiz. There’s no way Saudi would allow Wilder to fight in the back end of August or September, before he fights Anthony Joshua in December.”
Hearn strongly refuted all the rumors of a Wilder vs Ruiz fight and there is a valid reason behind his confident statement. Last month, Eddie Hearn revealed that they are trying to book a fight for AJ in September. But it was apparently, blocked by Skills Challenge. Moreover, Tyson Fury offer Joshua’s team a fight in September, but Eddie had to turn that offer down.
What are your thoughts on the potential matchup between Deontay Wilder and Andy Ruiz before his fight against Anthony Joshua? Let us know in the comments section!
