Oleksandr Usyk has hinted that a future showdown with Andy Ruiz Jr. could be on the horizon after the two former champions exchanged messages on social media.
The undisputed heavyweight king, who is expected to return in 2026 with Fabio Wardley currently leading the race to face him, acknowledged Ruiz’s challenge and appeared open to the idea.
Ruiz has been chasing another shot at heavyweight glory since shocking the world in 2019 when he stopped Anthony Joshua at Madison Square Garden to capture three world titles. Six months later, Joshua regained the belts via unanimous decision, and Ruiz has since fought just four times earning wins over Chris Arreola and Luis Ortiz, and fighting to a draw with Jarrell Miller.
Now back training with Manny Robles, Ruiz told Covers that he wants another chance at the top.
“I feel everybody’s just trying to get Usyk,” Ruiz said. “Usyk is the one with the belts, the name, and the money. So I think that’s a good fight that I’d be interested in as well.”
The former unified champion revealed that he and Usyk recently exchanged respectful messages. “A few weeks ago, I was messaging Usyk,” Ruiz shared. “I said, ‘Hey, much love, brother. I would love to get in the ring with you.’ And then he was like, ‘In God’s timing, we will do it. We will run it up.’ And I was like, ‘Oh, snap.’”
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Image Credit: DAZN