“He Definitely Isn’t Going to Fight Andy Ruiz”- Eddie Hearn Weighs In on Deontay Wilder Fighting Both Anthony Joshua and Andy Ruiz

Deontay Wilder‘s career, in recent years, has been decrepit. In the last 3 years, Wilder’s performance has not been up to the mark. However, the former heavyweight champion believes his story is far from over and is keen on making a successful comeback. Coming off a win against Robert Helenius, Wilder was speculated to face Anthony Joshua later this year. Wilder was vocal about the same and predicted a finish; assuring everyone that the bout is as good as done.

However, it so happens that Wilder has options besides Joshua and is open to considering them. Word has spread in the boxing world that Wilder, instead of fighting Joshua next, would face Andy Ruiz. This revelation left the boxing world with many questions and confusion. Meanwhile, Joshua’s promoter, Eddie Hearn, finds this revelation to jeopardise Joshua’s fight with Wilder.

Anthony Joshua or Andy Ruiz? Eddie Hearn leaves Deontay Wilder to make a choice

Ruiz is a former champion himself and a formidable fighter. Not to mention, Wilder and Ruiz were speculated to fight against one another back in 2022. However, the boxing world did not anticipate Ruiz being his next opponent. And it appears, by recent reports that, Wilder might face Ruiz before he would face Joshua. However, Hearn believes that the organisers would not allow Wilder to face Ruiz before Joshua.

Eddie Hearn believes that despite recent reports, Deontay Wilder WILL NOT be facing Andy Ruiz ahead of a Saudi clash with Anthony Joshua ❌#DeontayWilder | #EddieHearn | #WilderRuiz pic.twitter.com/WEqAlubeDw

— IFL TV (@IFLTV) June 20, 2023

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Hearn may be right in his claims, but he fails to acknowledge that Wilder may not consider Joshua a priority right now. In an instance where Wilder would have to make a pick between Joshua and Ruiz, he may very well pick the latter. Not to mention, that appears to be the position of his trainer.

Ruiz over Joshua? Deontay Wilder’s trainer weighs in

Wilder’s trainer, Malik Scott, has been in the boxer’s camp for quite sometime now. Being a close aide of the boxer, Scott is thinking that Ruiz would be the next opponent for Wilder. In an interview with ESNews, the trainer asserted Ruiz being Wilder’s “main” opponent. He stated, “Andy Ruiz is definitely one of the main options right now and we’ll see where it lands at.”

 

Both Ruiz and Joshua are credible opponents for Wilder. However, as per Hearn, Wilder would have to sacrifice one for the other — at least for this year. Although the bout with Ruiz is not official, it appears to be next for him.

Read more: “There’s So Much More to Obtain”: Weeks After Arrest, Deontay Wilder Regains His Respect Among Fans

Not to mention, his trainer also shares the same sentiment. However, in an ideal world, who would you want to see Wilder face next? In addition, how do you see Wilder’s fate against both of them? Share with us your analysis, opinions, predictions and thoughts in the comments below.

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