Get ready for a boxing comeback that’s bound to shake up the ring! Andy Ruiz Jr is back and hungrier than ever, with a six-fight hit list that includes some of the biggest names in the sport—think Tyson Fury, Anthony Joshua, and even a former UFC champion. But here’s where it gets controversial: can the man who once dethroned Anthony Joshua in a historic upset still compete with today’s heavyweight elite? Let’s dive in.
After a lengthy hiatus due to a hand injury sustained in a controversial draw with Jarrell Miller, Ruiz Jr is finally back in training. And he’s not alone—he’s reunited with his former trainer, Manny Robles, the mastermind behind his 2019 victory over Anthony Joshua. That win, which made Ruiz Jr the first Mexican-American heavyweight champion, remains one of boxing’s most iconic moments. But since then, his career has been a rollercoaster, leaving fans wondering: Can he reclaim his glory days?
At the top of Ruiz Jr’s wish list is a trilogy fight with Anthony Joshua. Their rivalry is personal, with Ruiz Jr still seeking revenge for his loss to Joshua in Saudi Arabia. ‘There’s bad blood,’ Ruiz Jr admits. ‘I want another chance. We could do the trilogy.’ But would a third fight live up to the hype? And this is the part most people miss: Joshua has evolved since their last bout, but so has Ruiz Jr. Who would come out on top this time?
Next up is Tyson Fury, the ‘Gypsy King’ who’s currently retired but always seems one announcement away from a return. Ruiz Jr and Fury have flirted with the idea of a showdown before, but it’s never materialized. Would Fury risk his legacy against a wildcard like Ruiz Jr? Or is this matchup just a pipe dream?
Then there’s Oleksandr Usyk, the undisputed heavyweight champion and the man to beat. Ruiz Jr admits Usyk is ‘the one with the belts,’ but with Usyk’s career winding down, is this fight even realistic? Ruiz Jr recently revealed he’s been in touch with Usyk, who cryptically replied, ‘In God’s timing, we will do it.’ But is this just wishful thinking, or could we see these two giants collide?
A more likely option is Deontay Wilder, with rumors of a fight swirling for years. Both fighters are looking to reboot their careers, making this matchup a no-brainer. But with Wilder’s power and Ruiz Jr’s resilience, who would emerge victorious in this high-stakes clash?
Finally, there’s the wildcard: Francis Ngannou, the former UFC champion who’s already tested the waters in boxing against Fury and Joshua. Ruiz Jr is intrigued but skeptical. ‘I don’t know if they would take the fight,’ he says. ‘They still underestimate this chubby Mexican man.’ But could Ngannou’s raw power pose a threat to Ruiz Jr’s comeback?
As Ruiz Jr steps back into the spotlight, one thing is clear: he’s not here to play it safe. Whether it’s settling old scores or chasing new challenges, he’s ready to prove himself all over again. But the question remains: Can he rise to the top in a division packed with legends? What do you think? Is Ruiz Jr’s hit list a recipe for redemption or a risky gamble? Let us know in the comments!
