Andy Ruiz Jr., the former unified heavyweight champion, has set his sights on big-name opponents like Anthony Joshua and Joseph Parker following their recent victories. Despite being inactive for the past fifteen months, Ruiz is eager to step back into the ring for high-profile clashes. He watched Anthony Joshua’s recent fifth-round victory over Otto Wallin and is keen on a trilogy fight with Joshua or a rematch with Joseph Parker, both of whom hold wins over him.
Ruiz’s career trajectory took a turn after his loss to Joshua in December 2019. Since then, he’s only fought twice, securing wins over Chris Arreola and Luis Ortiz. His choices of opponents, however, have not paved the way for the much-desired trilogy match with Joshua. Ruiz’s inactivity has resulted in him fading from the spotlight, no longer being a top pick for major fighters in the division.
Ruiz’s interest in a trilogy with Joshua seems optimistic, given Joshua’s recent opponents like Robert Helenius and Jermaine Franklin, who were specifically chosen to help rebuild Joshua’s career. Ruiz believes that a rematch with Joseph Parker, who recently defeated Deontay Wilder, is a viable option. Parker’s victory has opened a pathway for potential bouts with top contenders in the division.
For Ruiz to secure fights with either Joshua or Parker, he might need to face and defeat top heavyweights like Zhilei Zhang, Agit Kabayel, Martin Bakole, Frank Sanchez, or Bakhodir Jalolov. Such victories could position him favorably for higher-profile matches. However, Ruiz’s prolonged inactivity is concerning, and if he fails to secure a fight soon, it might lead to an even longer gap in his career, potentially affecting his standing in the heavyweight division.
Ruiz’s hope for a busy and successful 2024 hinges on his ability to secure and win significant fights. His desire for a comeback is clear, but it will require strategic planning and a return to consistent activity in the ring to regain his position as a top heavyweight contender.
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