Team Wilder Already Zeroed In On Andy Ruiz
Recently, the WBC set Deontay “The Bronze Bomber” Wilder (43-2-1, 42 KO’s), ranked #1 (WBC) and Andy “Destroyer” Ruiz (35-2, 22 KO’s) on a crash course. Yet, that was essentially for the benefit of public consumption. Behind the thick curtain of backroom business deals, the principle characters had long been aware of the impending duel. Luckily, both sides wanted the action. And as Wilder’s chief second, Malik Scott, explains, they are already well underway with their preparations to dismantle the former unified champion.
“It’s exciting news! It’s no secret I wanted the Usyk or the Anthony Joshua fight for Deontay – big time boxing. But, if its Andy Ruiz who we have to line up and get rid of, then so be it. Andy has fast hands, he is explosive.
Usually when you describe fighters and say that he is real short or shorter, that can come across as a disadvantage. But in Andy’s case, being short, he knows how to use his height and get under you and using his [trickiness] too. So we are going to draw it up, I’ve already begun drawing it up. We going to get in the lab and we going to put him on his ass!”
ONE MORE SHOT!
Wilder versus Ruiz is an interesting match-up. Destroyer previously upset the applecart when he dethroned Anthony Joshua back on June 1, 2019. At the same time, the portly, yet deceptively nimble pugilist failed to retain the titles in the immediate rematch. Having emerged from that botched defense saddled with a new reputation as an undedicated boxer, Ruiz has toiled mightily to reshape his image.
Ruiz even briefly began training with Eddy Reynoso, the famed head trainer of undisputed super middleweight champion Canelo Alvarez. This union did not last that long, however. Nevertheless, Ruiz has put two wins in the bank since losing to Joshua – one shaky performance against Chris Arreola and a marginally better outing versus Luis Ortiz. Now, ranked #2 (WBC) and #12 (WBA), Ruiz, 33, is ready for another shot at a title.
Likewise, Wilder, 37, is one fight back in the win column since his back-to-back pummeling at the hands of WBC heavyweight champion Tyson Fury. His was a lightning quick dispatching of former sparring partner Robert Helenius. Now, with this fight and its promise of facing the winner of Fury versus unified heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk, they are one win away from competing for championship status once again. That has got to be one delicious looking carrot for both to chase. So let’s see how it all plays out behind the scenes and, hopefully, in the ring later.
By: Bakari Simpson
