Former unified heavyweight champion Andy Ruiz Jr. has named Deontay Wilder as one of his preferred opponents for a comeback fight in 2026, saying “for sure I want him” as both former titleholders look to re-enter boxing’s top tier. Ruiz listed Wilder alongside Oleksandr Usyk, Tyson Fury, and Anthony Joshua as the four names he wants most in the next phase of his career.
Wilder, now 40, has endured a turbulent run in recent years, suffering back-to-back defeats to Joseph Parker and Zhilei Zhang before being urged by some in the sport to retire. Instead, the former long-reigning WBC champion has insisted on pressing forward, stopping Tyrrell Herndon in June for his first victory since 2022. Despite that win, Wilder is likely to finish the year having only boxed once, with no clear opponent lined up.
Ruiz’s career has followed a similar pattern. Since 2022, his lone outing was a draw with Jarrell Miller, leaving the former champion eager to make a meaningful return next year. A fight with Wilder would offer both men a high-stakes opportunity to re-establish themselves in the heavyweight picture.
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