Andy Ruiz Jr is keen on tussling with the sport’s biggest names upon his return.
The Mexican hasn’t fought since breaking his hand in a controversial draw with Jarrell Miller.
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Ruiz Jr is preparing to get back in action and wants to return to the top of the sportCredit: Mark Robinson / Matchroom Boxing
But he is now back in training, and has reunited with his former trainer Manny Robles, who masterminded his famous upset victory over Anthony Joshua in 2019.
As a former unified world champion, Ruiz Jr believes he still has more to give and is more motivated than ever.
And he is eyeing some of the sport’s biggest names, looking to revive his reputation and commercial value in the glamour division.
Anthony Joshua
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Joshua and Ruiz never fought for a third time and the latter is keen to get a second victoryCredit: Getty
Ruiz of course has history, having famously become the first man to stop Joshua at short-notice in a famous night at Madison Square Garden six years ago.
An out of shape Ruiz was then beaten by AJ later that year, but the Mexican believes a third instalment would be bigger than ever.
He said: “That’s something that I would love to (do),” Ruiz told Covers.
“I think that would be like the first fight that I would even want to join because, you know, there’s bad blood that we left behind – especially me, losing against him in Saudi Arabia, I want my revenge.
“I want another chance against him. We could do the trilogy. That’s something that me and Eddie Hearn talked about as well.”
Tyson Fury
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Fury is currently out of action and wouldn’t be expected to U-turn to face RuizCredit: Getty
Ruiz also named former unified world champion Fury on his hit-list, but the ‘Gypsy King’ is currently retired.
The pair have discussed a showdown in the past, making pleas in both 2023 and 2024 to secure the bout but it never materialised.
It is unclear if a showdown with Ruiz would be on the radar for the British star who will only return for the biggest fights possible.
Oleksandr Usyk
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Usyk is the man to take on right now but Ruiz is down the pecking orderCredit: GETTY
A more unlikely name is current undisputed heavyweight champion Usyk, whom is the man to beat right now.
But the Ukrainian only has limited time left on his professional career, and Ruiz Jr finds himself way out of the mix for a shot at the belts.
Although he suggested: “Usyk is the one with the belts. Usyk is the one with the name. So I think that’s a good fight that I’d be interested in as well.
“Maybe like a few weeks ago, I was messaging Usyk. I guess he sent me a message or something.
“I was like, ‘Hey, much love, brother. I would love to get in the ring with you. It would be a pleasure.’ And then he was like, “In God’s timing, we will do it. We will run it up.” And I was like, “‘Oh, snap.'”
Deontay Wilder
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Wilder seems the most likely option for Ruiz if a deal can be thrashed out
Perhaps the most likely option is a clash with American heavyweight Wilder, with a fight having been on the cards for several years.
The pair claimed to have signed contracts in 2024 for a showdown, but it never came to fruition.
They have since met and the rumour mill over a potential clash is gathering pace.
It would also make sense with Wilder to return early next year, in a similar predicament to Ruiz as he looks to get his career back on track.
Francis Ngannou
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Ngannou has fought in boxing, and is open to a returnCredit: AFP
A wildcard option is former UFC champion Ngannou, who has stepped into the ring twice in defeats to Fury and Joshua.
The hard-hitting Cameroon star is keen to return to the squared circle, but is yet to pencil in his next move.
But Ruiz doesn’t believe the 39-year-old will accept.
“I think that would have been a fight that I’d be interested in. But it all depends on them if they would take it.
“I know they still underestimate this chubby little man, this chubby Mexican man. I don’t know if they would take the fight.
“I don’t know if they would think it’s too dangerous or whatnot. But a fight with Ngannou, I think that would be awesome.”