After Andy Ruiz’ hard win on Sunday evening over Cuban Luis Ortiz at the Crypto.com Arena in California, Deontay Wilder has confirmed that he is ready “whenever” to take him on a fight that could be a WBC title eliminator. Wilder has not fought since being knocked out by Tyson Fury in their third and final fight in October, 2021. Since then the American has expressed interest in continuing with his boxing career in the hopes of becoming world champion once again.
Speaking to Fight Hub TV, Wilder said: “If that’s [Ruiz] the most exciting fight after I handle business, so be it, let it be. I’m willing and ready and able. They all know that. Everybody in the heavyweight division knows what Deontay Wilder brings.”
Former heavyweight champion, Ruiz, knocked Ortiz down three times over 12 rounds although he had it tough during the rounds in which he was unable to finish him off. Of most concern was the jab of the bigger man, something that Ruiz had trouble dealing with. There were also times when the two boxers showed enough respect that the action dulled a little which provoked the attending crowd to “boo” the two fighters for not entertaining them enough. Ruiz eventually won a unanimous decision.
Should a fight between Wilder and Ruiz happen some time next year then I would be curious enough to find out whether Andy, known for his strong punch resistance, could withstand the bombs that the Alabamian boxer always seems to find a way to land. If he can take them then that would make this particular battle very interesting indeed. Ruiz is a decent counter puncher although he can be outboxed. However, Wilder is not known for superior boxing skills so I doubt that he would have to worry too much about that. There is an above average chance that both boxers will go into the ring with the intent to knock one another out. I also wonder how much Wilder has left in the tank after two beatings by Tyson Fury.
Assuming that Deontay has not lost anything, I can see hard power punches being scored from both ways. But although Andy has proven that he can take a heavy drubbing, he can also be knocked down if he is hit hard enough. Anthony Joshua proved that during their first fight before getting too confident and being caught in an exchange afterward. I believe that Wilder probably hits harder than Joshua. Ruiz also tends to lack the patience and focus that would be required to avoid being hit concussively. Therefore, I see Deontay taking care of Andy in about 4 rounds.
