Andy Ruiz Jr's Demands Price Him Out of Deontay Wilder Fight: Is He Following In Buster Douglas' Footsteps?

Photo: Instagram/Andy Ruiz Jr.

Andy Ruiz Jr's demand for a 50-50 deal with former WBC heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder has priced him out of their potential summer fight.

This marks the second major bout that has slipped away from the former IBF, WBA, and WBO heavyweight champion, as he previously failed to reach an agreement with WBC champion Tyson Fury, demanding a reported $20 million, which was ultimately refused.

It seems that Ruiz is unwilling to accept the reality that he is no longer a heavyweight champion and that his career has suffered due to his inactivity. Since 2019, he has only fought twice in the span of four years.

Photo: Instagram/Andy Ruiz Jr.

Consequently, he cannot assert himself on the same level as popular fighters like Wilder and Fury, as he is merely reminiscent of a one-hit wonder, akin to Buster Douglas. 

For those unfamiliar with Buster Douglas, he famously upset Mike Tyson, the then IBF/WBA/WBC heavyweight champion, in February 1990, but subsequently let his guard down and suffered a third-round knockout defeat against Evander Holyfield, leading to a decline in his career.

Fast forward to 2023, and we witness a similar story unfolding with Andy Ruiz Jr, who seemingly fails to recognize the historical parallels. It is clear that Ruiz is in denial, refusing to acknowledge that he no longer holds the position to dictate terms, owing to the decline in his career resulting from his lack of dedication and activity.

While Ruiz may have gained popularity through his stunning sixth-round knockout victory over Anthony Joshua, he has squandered it by indulging in his newfound wealth without putting in the hard work required. Deontay Wilder, preparing for his December fight against Joshua, will not grant Ruiz the split he desires, as this tune-up match holds little significance for him and carries significant risk.

If Ruiz declines the offer, Wilder will likely seek an alternative opponent or patiently await his lucrative showdown with Joshua. Unfortunately, Ruiz and his father fail to consider the substantial payoff they could secure by accepting a lesser split and defeating Wilder.

Such a victory would position them as the likely contenders to face Joshua in December, guaranteeing them a substantial payday far exceeding their previous encounters with AJ in 2019.

According to Andy Ruiz Jr's father, Andy Sr, Wilder's team offered them a 70-30 split, which they deemed insufficient. Despite his underwhelming career since the loss to Joshua, Ruiz Jr, with a record of 35-2 and 22 KOs, insists on demanding parity, further cementing the perception that he may indeed be a one-hit wonder.

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Source: Boxing News 24