By Edward Chaykovsky
Top Rank's CEO Bob Arum believes the faster hands of Andy Ruiz (29-0, 19kOs) will be a key element in beating Joseph Parker (21-0, 18KOs) - if and when their fight comes together.
As previously reported on BoxingScene.com, Parker and his promoter Duco Events are targeting the fight on December 10th in New Zealand. The location is no issue, but Arum wants the fight to take place in January.
The fight is dependant on Tyson Fury being stripped of the WBO heavyweight crown, and that hasn't happened yet. Parker and Ruiz are the highest rated contenders and would battle it out for the vacant belt if Fury gets stripped.
Arum says the negotiations are ongoing and the two sides are close to reaching a deal on the money.
After watching some of Parker's fights, Arum is impressed with his power and his chin, but he's not that impressed with his speed. He feels Parker is slow for a heavyweight, while he credits Ruiz with having the fastest hands in the heavyweight division with a lot of power behind those shots.
Parker recently discussed his sparring session with Ruiz from a few years ago and reflected on how strong Ruiz was. He said a huge shot from Ruiz rattled his jaw and left him unable to properly eat for three days.
"Parker is strong, he has a nice chin, but he is slow, he's not a fast heavyweight," Arum said to Radio Live.
"Andy, who looks slow, is a really fast heavyweight ... he has the fastest hands in the division and a lot of power.
"It could go either way. It will be a very exciting contest and the contrasting styles will make it a great fight to watch."
