What should be next for Andy Ruiz Jr besides sponsorships?
This weekend, the heavyweight division was thrown a major curveball! That curveball came in the form of Andy “Destroyer” Ruiz Jr’s (33-1, 22 KO’s), who toppled the former heavyweight champion and UK kingpin, Anthony Joshua.
The majority of the boxing world and a huge portion of casual fans were foaming at the mouth to see Joshua v Deontay “Bronze Bomber” Wilder (41-0-1, 40 KO’s). However, for the foreseeable future, that bout has been cast into limbo. Now, all eyes have fallen up on the quick-fisted Andy Ruiz, the first Mexican heavyweight champion ever.
Following Ruiz Jr’s four knock down victory over Anthony “AJ” Joshua (22-1, 21 KO’s), his next move remains uncertain.
With the seventh round stoppage, Ruiz collected Joshua’s much coveted IBF, WBA and WBO heavyweight world titles. Currently, it is unknown whether or not the former champion will exercise his immediate rematch clause in order to regain his usurped belts.
The Charge of Champion
However, now that Ruiz is the champion, he has to deal with the numerous obligations of one. First and foremost, this means that the Destroyer will have to satisfy his many mandatory challenger obligations.
In the event AJ does not face Ruiz, he will have to technically placate the requirements of the WBO.
As it turns out, the WBO is the next sanctioning body in line to have their mandatory satisfied. The troubling issue here is, the WBO does not have a designated opponent at this time.
Currently the #1 contender is Dillian Whyte who holds the WBO International title. However, depending on the timeline at which Ruiz may want to return, he may still be in the recovery stages from his JUly 20 bout against Oscar Rivas.
The next fighter in line would be Kubrat “The Cobra” Pulev (27-1 14 KO’s). Pulev is the mandatory challenger for the IBF. Although he is a viable foe, it’s been reported that Ruiz Jr would be able to request an exception if the bout was to be formally ordered.
Yet again, provided Joshua utilizes his immediate rematch clause, all potential mandatory opponents would be briefly put on hold.
Therefore, the boxing world will have to wait and see how this somewhat convoluted situation plays out. Until then, congrats to Andy Ruiz Jr who literally just shook up and turned the world of boxing on its head!
Stay tuned to 3kingsboxing for all the latest boxing news and updates.
By: Bakari Simpson
