Deontay Wilder revelation puts Andy Ruiz Jr heavyweight fight in doubt

17 February 2023 , 16:15

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Deontay Wilder revelation puts Andy Ruiz Jr heavyweight fight in doubt

Deontay Wilder has declared he is now a free agent, leaving his potential clash with Andy Ruiz Jr in doubt.

The American heavyweight has not fought since beating Robert Helenius in the first round last year but has been eyeing a return to the top of the division after losing twice to Tyson Fury. It was ordered by the WBC that Wilder would next face Mexican contender Ruiz Jr with a shot at redemption against Fury potentially on the line for the 'Bronze Bomber'.

It was also anticipated the fight would be easily made given the pair are stablemates at Premier Boxing Champions, but a date for the showdown has yet to officially materialise. And in a new hint that the fight could be on the brink of collapse, Wilder insisted he was open to offers from other promotions for his next outing.

He said during an interview on 78SportsTV : "No bad blood. I'm still part of PBC. I'm just an open agent, open fighter. I want to fight on all types of platforms, I'm willing to work with anyone. I have no problem with PBC, we're still thriving. We're still working together as far as I know of. Me and Al Haymon still communicate, there is no bad blood.

"We are working on a number of things and I shall return real soon, it has just been an ongoing thing dealing with the business of boxing. We have been travelling to all the different places, because I want to know what is going on and where it is going to take place. Once we get everything together, we are going to make an announcement and it is going to be amazing."

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Wilder's fight with Ruiz Jr had already been cast into doubt once after Ruiz Jr has instead been ordered to fight IBF mandatory challenger Filip Hrgovic for an alternative route at seeking a shot at the title. It is expected WBA challenger Daniel Dubois is first in line for a shot before any shot for Hrgovic can be arranged, so no plans have been made.

Deontay Wilder is awaiting his next heavyweight fight (AFP via Getty Images)

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In perhaps a new avenue for Wilder to explore, the American alternatively proposed a two-fight deal to fight fellow new free agent Francis Ngannou who recently departed the UFC. The former WBC champion even insisted he would be open to stepping in the cage providing the money is on the table.

He said during an interview on Trill Boxing : "Most definitely, I love Francis. When I met him at the UFC Apex in Vegas he was talking about doing it that time, I'm still interested in it and I would love to go to Africa for that fight. When he was with Dana [White, UFC president], me and Dana sat down and talked about it. When he brought the idea to me the whole saying was 'if it makes dollars it makes sense'. That's all they need to know."

Ben Davies