Deontay Wilder and Andy Ruiz jr. During this week’s Canelo against Terence Crawford event activities in Las Vegas for the media posed for the media. The two former heavyweight champions did a face-off, making fans think that the outdated long-in-the-tooth fighters could fight soon.
It is questionable how many interest fans would have to see Ruiz and Wilder fighting at this late stage of their careers. The two heavyweights were too inactive and were no longer considered relevant. The reaction to social media to the Wilder-Ruiz face-off today was mainly negative, with fans saying that they no longer care about this struggle.
Some older, sentimental fans may still be interested in seeing this battle, but it is unlikely to generate many PPV purchases if sold on a prime video or a paid pay-per-view.
Former WBC champion Wilder and former IBF, IBO and WBA champion Ruiz had the chance to fight in 2022 when their match was ordered. They beat over the wallet and couldn’t happen.
The impact of inactivity
Ruiz has only fought once since 2022 and on August 3, 2024, comes from a majority scope against Jarrell Miller against Jarrell Miller. Although he tried to get out the big names and trying to get fights, his chronic inactivity has weakened his ability to get fights.
The perception among fans is that Andy was spoiled by the $ 10 million he earned in 2019 from his two fights against Anthony Joshua and showed no ambition to stay active and work in a position to fight for another world title. Ruiz mostly called Joshua, Tyson Fury and other big names in the hope that a fight would be given to him.
Again, it is late in the game for both, because in many years they did not beat the opposition of the world level. Wilder (44-4-1, 43 food), now 39, was negotiated with Ruiz from November 2022 to August 2023 after the WBC ordered them to fight to determine the compulsory challenger for the then WBC heavyweight champion Tyson Fury.
Unfortunately, the fight did not negotiate successfully after Wilder and Ruiz could not agree on the split. Ruiz (35-2-1, 22 CO’s) wanted a 50-50 split or flat $ 10-25 million, and reportedly he felt it deserved as a former United Heavyweight Champion. Wilder wanted a split of 70-30. The WBC eventually revoked its order for the fight on August 18, 2023.
Last updated on 09/13/2025
