This collage of photos of Oleksandr Usyk (left) and Andy Ruiz Jr. — Reuters
Andy Ruiz Jr wants the rumoured fight against Oleksandr Usyk to happen this year as the talk continues.
Usyk, who vacated the WBO belt in pursuit of a showdown with Deontay Wilder, has yet to confirm his next opponent.
Derek Chisora confirmed to talkSPORT that he is close to finalising a showdown with Wilder, who was earlier supposed to fight Usyk and that the Ukrainian is planning a fight against Mexican boxer Ruiz Jr.
Wilder previously confirmed that he had entered talks with the Ukrainian over the potential fight in 2026, but has now chosen to fight Chisora.
“It is definitely becoming a real conversation,” Wilder told talkSPORT.
“Boxing is a business but sometimes it falls through, right now we are in talks for that fight, yes.
“I’m excited and looking forward to it. Once I get the final say-so and details, then my blood will be pumping.
“I am excited [for the potential of that fight happening], and once things become clearer, that is when I can go to camp.”
Wilder and Chisora are set to meet in a surprise showdown in London on April 4, in an event promoted by Kalle and Nisse Sauerland.
After knowing that the Ukrainian is reportedly thinking about a showdown, the Mexican has taken to social media to make an offer to Usyk.
He shared a created picture of himself and Usyk, as if the fight was already confirmed.
And he wrote the caption: “Let’s make it happen @usykaa.”
Andy Ruiz Jr hasn’t fought since August 2024, when he collected a controversial draw with Jarrell Miller in Los Angeles.
Oleksandr Usyk, who is nearing his 40s, has recently vacated the WBO belt, but still has the WBC, WBA and IBF titles with him, and is looking for only big fights ahead of retirement.