DEONTAY WILDER’s trainer Malik Scott says an offer has been sent to Andy Ruiz Jr for a fight against ‘The Bronze Bomber’.
Neither heavyweight has fought in 2023 as part of a division that continues to be stagnant.
Wilder 43-2-1 (43) could have a marquee fight to look forward to in December against Anthony Joshua in Saudi Arabia. While meetings continue to take place to secure that deal Wilder wants to get back in the ring and face Ruiz Jr.
Posting from his Instagram account Wilder’s trainer Malik Scott wrote: “Time’s up. We’re doing our part and we sent you a helluva offer. Ah @andy_destroyer13 The ball is in your court now, let’s get it signed and sealed.”
Since beating Anthony Joshua in spectacular fashion four years ago, Ruiz 35-2 (22) has fought just three times. A loss in the rematch to the British heavyweight was followed by wins against Chris Arreola in 2021 and Luis Ortiz nine months ago.
The 33-year-old Californian had been linked to a fight against Tyson Fury this summer but both Fury and his co-promoter Frank Warren claim the former belt holder priced himself out.
Wilder’s career has not been particularly busy either. Since beginning his trilogy with Tyson Fury in December 2018 the knockout specialist has boxed on half a dozen occasions. Last time out the American made light work of Robert Helenius needing just one round to beat the Finnish heavyweight.
WBC President Mauricio Sulaiman told Sky Sports recently that Wilder v Ruiz is still selected as a final eliminator where the winner would move forward to face their champion Tyson Fury.