Deontay Wilder or Andy Ruiz Jr. will fight for the WBC heavyweight title in 2023, with or without current champion Tyson Fury.
That has been the plan from the beginning. That remains the plan despite Fury’s attempts to take on Anthony Joshua and Oleksandr Usyk.
Fury is targeting a volunteer against Joshua this year. After which, the mandatory will come into play next April. That must-have will be Wilder or Ruiz, if Al Haymon’s long-term plan comes to fruition.
Haymon got permission from WBC President Mauricio Sulaiman to host a mini-tournament for the vacant WBC title when Fury retired for the umpteenth time.
“The Gypsy King” then blew those plans out of the water by doing another u-turn. Now, Fury could be pushed to face Wilder or Ruiz before he gets a chance to meet Usyk.
If it happens to AJ [if that fight ever happens] and then looks towards Usyk, a step-aside deal may need to be worked out. The WBC could force Fury’s hand unless he steps up, as the WBO will be looking to do Usyk.
Two terms will be up by the time Fury can fight Usyk. It means that there is a genuine possibility that Fury will walk away again.
Deontay Wilder vs. Andy Ruiz Jr.
This scenario leaves the winner of Wilder vs. Ruiz, who could be sanctioned for the interim title, potentially elevated to full champion next spring.
For his part, Wilder knows how important a win over Robert Helenius on Oct. 15 is. He sets up a massive Pay Per View match with Ruiz Jr.
Haymon won’t like Fury holding up the division’s mandatory side any longer.
Wilder spoke about his possible fight with Ruiz after the Mexican defeated his friend Luis Ortiz on Sunday night.
“It was a great fight. It was a hell of a fight. This was what all the fans came to see, a magnificent fight. That’s what these guys gave you,” Wilder told FOX Sports in the ring.
“That right there deserves all respect. Andy came in with a game plan. He looked like he executed the game plan.”
bronze bomber
When asked if that’s the next fight he wants, Wilder added: “Deontay Wilder is back. We are always looking for great exciting fights that we can bring to the fans.
“If that’s what’s next, I have to run the business. After that, we can continue.”
Shaking hands with Ruiz’s family, Wilder showed that there is a lot of respect between the two former champions.
“I always love teams because we share the ring, and we’re doing it for our [sons and] daughters In the situation we are in, I always have affection for them.
“Much love to him. I wish nothing but the best for him in the future.”
Ruiz jr.
Ruiz said: “God willing, he beats Robert [Helenius] in October. He and I are in the same organization.
“I want to thank Al Haymon. He can make this fight happen. Let’s do it. Let’s move on.”
Usyk’s decision to delay his return until 2023 adds further doubt to Fury’s fight with Joe Joyce and Joseph Parker being sanctioned for the interim WBO belt.
The WBO and WBC situations make it increasingly unlikely that any Usyk vs. Fury will be an uncontested unification.
WBN editor Phil has over ten years of boxing news experience. He follows WBN on Facebook @officialworldboxingnews and Twitter @worldboxingnews.
