Andy Ruiz Jr. impressed boxing fans with his new physique when the former heavyweight champion defeated Luis Ortiz by unanimous decision.
The one time unified ruler of the top division defeated former Cuban victim Deontay Wilder three times for a superb victory on Sunday night, September 4 at Pay Per View in Los Angeles.
Ruiz denied the best punch of the fight, Ortiz’s jab, to take down the ranked contender in an entertaining PBC clash. “King Kong” had no answer for the power shots as Ruiz used the takedowns to rack up points.
After celebrating the win, Ruiz can look forward to a massive PPV battle with Wilder in the first quarter of 2023.
Andy Ruiz Jr vs. Deontay Wilder
Premier Boxing Champions promoter Al Haymon has earmarked Wilder vs. Ruiz for Las Vegas, three years after schedule.
World Boxing News reported in 2020 that Haymon was hoping to set up Wilder vs Ruiz after two comeback fights for the pair.
However, Wilder intended to see a third fight with Tyson Fury and subsequently went through arbitration to do so. It didn’t end well, and “The Bronze Bomber” now has to make sure he wins again against fellow fighter Robert Helenius.
Ruiz is back in form after claiming wins against Chris Arreola and Ortiz. “The Destroyer” had previously lost his championship belts to Anthony Joshua in a December 2019 rematch.
That Saudi Arabian event was rushed by Joshua’s team after Ruiz spent most of the year celebrating. Ruiz had scored a sixth-round knockout of his British opponent the previous June at New York’s Madison Square Garden.
He scored numerous takedowns of the 2012 Olympic silver medalist. The onslaught began with a solid right hand and ended, greatly enhancing his reputation.
Several shots shook Joshua to his core as his aura of invincibility disintegrated. In the process, Ruiz walked away with the winner, taking the WBO, IBF and WBA heavyweight titles.
Pay Per View Showdown
The Mexican-American is now on course for a massive showdown with Wilder in his next fight, provided the American heavyweight comes through Helenius.
The winner of that clash will eventually be mandatory for Tyson Fury. They could later challenge unified champion Oleksandr Usyk.
Ruiz will use his new strength and conditioning coach to get in better shape for Wilder. Depending on how Wilder looks against Helenius, Ruiz could even start the fight as the favorite.
However, his weight is the main factor in what happens in that fight. So staying focused in the gym will be the main weapon in Ruiz’s arsenal.
WBN editor Phil has over ten years of boxing news experience. He follows WBN on Facebook @officialworldboxingnews and Twitter @worldboxingnews.
