In a strategic career maneuver, Andy Ruiz Jr. eyes a preparatory bout before orchestrating a sit-down with Deontay Wilder, aiming to negotiate a pivotal boxing event in the wake of that. With his sights set on an initial warm-up fight, Ruiz hasn’t unveiled his desired opponent yet, emphasizing the need for cautious selection following his recent performances against Luis Ortiz, Chris Arreola, and Anthony Joshua.
Entering the Ring with Caution
While Ruiz, former unified heavyweight champion, holds a record of 35-2 with 22 KOs, he’s been notably out of action, with his last bout being a close twelve-round unanimous decision victory against Luis Ortiz over a year ago. His encounters against seasoned fighters Ortiz & Arreola, both north of 40, weren’t smooth sailing, suggesting that Ruiz must tread carefully in the ring.
Financial Negotiations Form a Barrier with Wilder
On the other side, Deontay Wilder (43-2-1, 42 KOs) has exhibited interest in going glove-to-glove with the 34-year-old Ruiz. However, the financial side of the agreement has been a sticking point. According to Malik Scott, Wilder’s trainer, Ruiz’s expectation of a 50-50 split failed to resonate with ‘The Bronze Bomber.’ This fiscal discord has been a fundamental obstacle in materializing their fight.
Wilder himself is on the clock to re-enter the ring, having fought just a single round since his 2021 defeat against Tyson Fury, marking a period of significant inactivity that could potentially blunt his competitive edge.
Ruiz’s Perspective and a Dream of Victory
Amid the strategic planning and negotiation, Ruiz remains vocal and optimistic about the potential bout with Wilder. In a conversation with Fight Hub TV, Ruiz expressed, “We’re back from the cage. We were locked up. I’m back. I feel good; I feel blessed, especially with the people that I’m around. A lot of support.”
He further added regarding the negotiation with Wilder, “Me and him [Deontay Wilder] need to negotiate. We need to talk man-to-man, ‘Let’s fight. If it’s not 50-50, let’s negotiate whatever it is and make it happen. I’m going to beat your a**.’”
Dispelling speculations about financial demands, Ruiz fervently denied asking for too high a price, stating, “It’s all bull st. He doesn’t want to fight. He never even gave me an offer. How am I going to say, ‘Hey, I want $25 million?’ It’s all bull st.”
Turning Dreams into Strategy
Ruiz, amidst the waiting and strategizing, has been navigating his boxing journey, which has had its share of fortune and challenges. For the past four years, despite basking in a $10 million fortune, Ruiz has fought judiciously, potentially not maximizing his earnings and career trajectory.
Still, Andy is nursing a dream, one where he emerges victorious against Wilder, believing it’s his destiny to defeat the former WBC champion. “I had a dream that I fought this big guy, and it was Wilder, and I knocked him down, and I won. That’s exactly why I’m trying to stay in shape to get ready, and I’m going to win. I’m going to win that fight,” he asserts.
As negotiations and strategies unfold, the boxing world waits with bated breath to witness if the Ruiz-Wilder bout will evolve from anticipative talks to a thunderous clash in the ring.
