The year has been full of excitement for boxing fans as they eagerly await potential megafights in the heavyweight division. One highly anticipated matchup is between former champions Deontay Wilder and Andy Ruiz Jr.
However, there are concerns about whether this fight will actually happen due to the complexities of the boxing business, which has often hindered significant bouts in the past.
In a recent event held in Toledo, Ohio, another heavyweight contender, Jared Anderson, took the spotlight as the headliner. He faced off against former champion Charles Martin and emerged victorious with a unanimous decision.
Shifting the focus to the super middleweight division, the reigning king, Canelo Alvarez, is set to make his return in September. His opponent will be Jermell Charlo, the undisputed champion in the junior middleweight division, who is moving up two weight classes for this opportunity.
Is Deontay Wilder vs Andy Ruiz to actually take place?
The likelihood of a fight between Deontay and Andy seems dim according to recent statements.
Ruiz’s father, Andy Ruiz Sr., disclosed to ESPN that his son, a former heavyweight champion, will not face Wilder unless the demand for a 70-30 split is revised to a more equitable 50-50 arrangement.
‼️ Deontay Wilder responding to Andy Ruiz on Instagram today…
[🎥 @BronzeBomber] pic.twitter.com/yky6sJMlow
— Michael Benson (@MichaelBensonn) July 11, 2023
Wilder, on the other hand, maintains that Ruiz does not deserve an equal share, making the vast disparity in their financial demands a significant obstacle. Considering this impasse, the prospects of the fight taking place appear uncertain.
It is worth noting that both Deontay and Andy currently lack title belts. Nonetheless, the potential matchup between these two prominent heavyweight contenders, known for their devastating punching power, would undoubtedly be explosive.
“THIS FAT CHUBBY KID IS ABOUT TO HUMBLE YOUR ASS DOWN”
Andy Ruiz responds to Deontay Wilder 🍿 #WilderRuizJr | #DeontayWilder | #AndyRuizJr pic.twitter.com/KX9oBfPmj1
— IFL TV (@IFLTV) July 11, 2023
Wilder, recognized as the hardest puncher in boxing, would face off against Andy, who has proven his mettle with a TKO victory over Anthony Joshua in 2019, securing three heavyweight world titles.
The Wilder-Ruiz bout has been a subject of on-and-off discussions for more than a year. If it were to materialize, it would undoubtedly be one of the most highly anticipated events on the 2023 boxing calendar.
The fight’s failure to come to fruition would be disappointing, particularly considering Deontay’s impending 38th birthday later this year. However, it seems Wilder may have his sights set on a potentially monumental showdown against Joshua in December, with ongoing negotiations taking place for a super fight to be held in Saudi Arabia.
Boxing community disappointed waiting for Deontay Wilder vs Andy Ruiz
The scheduled events for December 3 in London took an unexpected turn for champion Tyson Fury. Originally, he was set to defend his title against Dereck Chisora in a voluntary bout.
Are these two going to fight or just gonna keep having a back and forth on Instagram. Sigh!
— Olasupo Jakes – Bsc (Hons), RPN (@JakesOlasupo) July 11, 2023
However, plans shifted to a unification match against Oleksandr Usyk for the undisputed belt, with the winner committed to participating in the WBC mandatory fight. Consequently, Andy and Deontay Wilder are slated to face off in a championship match for the vacant position.
Wilder, retire.
Go home and be a family man.— Ayn Rands Fist (@glamguignol) July 11, 2023
Unfortunately, the entire plan collapsed, leaving disappointed boxing fans and media outlets aware of the failed negotiations. None of the fighters were able to come to satisfactory terms.
Wilder v Andy Ruiz highlights pic.twitter.com/kS70Cqnjeh
— Im (@ImKhan990) July 11, 2023
The only fight that seems to be progressing is the one between Deontay and Andy. Both of them had previously been associated with PBC before becoming free agents, which facilitated the process of finalizing a TV contract for a Showtime Pay Per View event.
What are your thoughts regarding this? Let us know in the comment section below.
