We might have a new fight on our hands for the lineal heavyweight world champion, as Keith Idec of BoxingScene.com reported today that Andy Ruiz Jr., could be a front-runner to land a fight against the lineal heavyweight world champion, Tyson Fury, who also holds the WBC heavyweight world title.
If it were to happen the bout would take place in the United Kingdom, as Top Rank CEO, Bob Arum, who co-promotes Tyson Fury, and promoted Andy Ruiz Jr., up until two fights prior to his knockout win over Anthony Joshua.
“Tyson wants to fight this summer,” said Bob Arum to Keith Idec of BoxingScene.com. “…Andy Ruiz would be a possibility."
Ruiz Jr., has been promoted by fighting under the Premier Boxing Champions banner since leaving Top Rank Inc., in July of 2018, when Ruiz got a ten-round unanimous decision win over Kevin Johnson at the SaveMart Arena in Fresno, California.
This comes on the heels of an ill-fated undisputed bout between Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk for all four world titles. Ruiz Jr., shares one thing in common with Usyk, a win over Anthony Joshua - but beyond that the similarities stop there. Ruiz Jr., was last in action headlining a pay-per-view card against Luis Ortiz, who he dropped three times en route to a unanimous decision victory.
“We had Andy,” Arum said when speaking of the fighter he once promoted. “His purse demands were such that we let him go. And he showed us his ability to earn big money. He’s a lovely guy. I mean, I always liked Andy. His father’s a nice guy. So, I wish him well.”
