The heavyweight division is in a state of flux after the collapse of the undisputed title fight between Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk. The WBC champion Fury and the WBA, IBF, WBO, IBO, and The Ring champion Usyk were supposed to clash at Wembley Stadium on April 29, but the fight fell apart due to a disagreement over the rematch clause. Usyk wanted a 50-50 split in case of a second fight, while Fury demanded a 60-40 advantage in his favor.
With Usyk out of the picture, Fury is now looking for a new opponent to defend his belt against this summer. According to his promoter Bob Arum, one of the names being considered is Andy Ruiz Jr., the former unified champion who shocked the world by knocking out Anthony Joshua in 2019. Ruiz lost the rematch to Joshua later that year, but bounced back with a unanimous decision win over Luis Ortiz in September 2022.
“Maybe it’s Andy Ruiz or someone like that,” Arum told Boxing Cornerman channel. “He’s been in Italy on vacation with his family. He’s now back in England, and we’re talking to him, and we’re looking for the best guy available to fight this summer in the UK.”
Ruiz has expressed his interest in facing Fury on social media, posting a picture of them in the ring with the caption: “Let’s do this.” The Mexican-American fighter has been working with trainer Eddy Reynoso, who also trains Canelo Alvarez and Ryan Garcia, and has improved his conditioning and skills. Ruiz is known for his fast hands, power, and chin, and could pose a serious threat to Fury’s reign.
Fury has not fought since February 2020, when he stopped Deontay Wilder in seven rounds to claim the WBC title. He was supposed to face Wilder in a trilogy bout last year, but the fight was delayed several times due to the pandemic and an injury to Wilder. Fury then moved on to pursue a unification fight with Usyk, but that also fell through.
Fury vs Ruiz would be a fascinating matchup between two contrasting styles and personalities. Fury is a 6-foot-9 giant who can box and brawl, switch stances, and use his jab and movement to frustrate his opponents. He is also a charismatic and outspoken figure who likes to trash talk and entertain the fans. Ruiz is a 6-foot-2 underdog who can surprise anyone with his speed and power, overcome adversity, and fight with heart and pride. He is also a humble and respectful person who likes to inspire people with his story.
Fury has the advantage in height, reach, experience, and versatility. He can use his size and skills to keep Ruiz at bay and outbox him from a distance. He can also mix it up on the inside and hurt Ruiz with his uppercuts and hooks. However, Fury also has some flaws that Ruiz can exploit. He can be hit by shorter fighters who can get inside his guard and work his body. He can also be dropped by powerful punches, as he was by Wilder twice in their first fight.
Ruiz has the advantage in power, and durability. He can use his quick hands and combinations to catch Fury off guard and hurt him with his hooks and overhand rights. He can also take a lot of punishment and keep coming forward, as he did against Joshua and Ortiz. However, Ruiz also has some weaknesses that Fury can take advantage of. He can be outworked by busier fighters who can throw more punches and control the pace. He can also be outboxed by taller fighters who can use their jab and movement to keep him at bay.
Ultimately, it would come down to who can impose their game plan better and adjust to their opponent’s style. It would also depend on who is more motivated and prepared for this fight. Fury vs Ruiz would be a blockbuster event that would attract a lot of attention and generate a lot of revenue for both fighters. It would also be an exciting fight that would thrill the fans and showcase the best of heavyweight boxing.
