Former world champion Johnny Nelson joined fans in expressing his excitement about a potential heavyweight clash between Deontay Wilder and Andy Ruiz – and he’s picked the winner.
The World Boxing Council has ordered their number one – Wilder – and number two – Ruiz – to confront each other and determine who will be next to fight for the title of Tyson Fury.
Nelson, who to this day holds the record as the longest-reigning cruiser class champion, referred to the battle to Professional boxing fan as something he wants to see in the new year and believes that is the case for boxers versus boxers.
“I want to see Wilder against Ruiz. I think Wilder beat him.
Ruiz is the better fighter, Wilder is the better fighter. So Ruiz can lick but, the way Ruiz fights, I assume if he loses and is stopped with a hit to the head – and that will knock him down. Dismiss him.
But, if Wilder lets him get close, [Ruiz] will beat him, hit him and knock him down.
Disappointingly for fans, the fight between the two former champions has been sorted out but there seems to be no progress beyond that. When Ruiz called for the implementation of the plans, Team Wilder let their attention drift to their fight with Anthony Joshua.
Of course, the Alabama man has the right to skip Ruiz’s final qualifier, but he will also forfeit his old WBC title fight chance in the next match if he wins.
As with many things in the weight class, it will become apparent sooner or later.
With belts fastened in negotiations for a undisputed war between Fury and Oleksandr Usyk, the likes of Wilder and Ruiz, along with Anthony Joshua and Joe Joyce, must stay busy – preferably with each other.
