JAKARTA - Former unified heavyweight world champion Andy Ruiz Jr. is eager to make a clash against two-time undisputed world champion Oleksandr Usyk, in this year's calendar.
Currently, Usyk has not confirmed his next opponent after he decided to give up the WBO title belt in pursuit of a fight against Deontay Wilder. However, Wilder is instead scheduled to clash with Derek Chisora in April 2026.
In the midst of this situation, Andy Ruiz took advantage of his social media to invite Usyk to the ring. He shared an edited image showing the two facing each other, as if the fight were about to happen.
"Come on! let's make Oleksandr Usyk happen," Andy Ruiz wrote in the photo caption.
The fight is likely to happen. Rumors say that the meeting between the two names can be held in July 2026.
Usyk is likely to be the absolute favorite against Ruiz Jr. The Mexican boxer also has a large commercial value so that the clash with the Ukrainian champion will produce a large number of spectators.
Ruiz has not been very active in recent years. The 36-year-old fighter has only fought three times since his defeat in the rematch against Anthony Joshua in 2019.
In his last appearance, Ruiz Jr. suffered a broken hand and had to be absent from the ring for a while. That happened in a controversial draw with Jarrell Miller in August 2024. However, now he is back training.
On the other hand, Usyk is looking for a fight against a famous boxer at the end of his career. Therefore, he decided to refuse to fight against Fabio Wardley.
Previously, Sergey Lapin, Usyk's team director, had revealed the possibility of a clash with Agit Kabayel. The German fighter is considered one of the potential opponents.
"Kabayel is definitely a possible option. It will be a big fight in Europe with strong business potential," Lapin said.
Usyk last fought in July 2025 against Daniel Dubois. He won a knockout (KO) in the fifth round to retain his unbeaten record in his career.
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