Andy Ruiz Jr. offers to replace Deontay Wilder to face Oleksandr Usyk

Styles make fights. Ruiz has fast hands, is busy and some pop. He would counter some of Usyks strenghts. I recon Ruiz has a shot of winning this! Oleksandr Usyk receives intriguing offer from Andy Ruiz Jr as talks continue over return fight Ben Davies, Boxing and MMA Editor Published: 13:45, 25 Jan 2026 Updated: 13:45, 25 Jan 2026 {"data-align":"none","data-size":"full","height":"154","width":"275","src":"https:\/\/talksport.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/OQ-TALKSPORT-OFF-PLATFORM-RUIZ.jpg?w=620"} Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Andy Ruiz Jr wants to make a fight with Oleksandr Usyk happen this year. Usyk is currently yet to confirm his next opponent, having initially vacated his WBO title in pursuit of a showdown with Deontay Wilder. https://talksport.com/boxing/3933521/oleksandr-usyk-offer-andy-ruiz-fight-talks-return/

Comments (11)

JakeTheBoxer(edited)

Ruiz is semi-retired fighter. He has had like 3 fights in the last 6 years. If usyk wants to fight American in America, he should fight Torrez jr. he is top 10 ranked fighter.

4mo ago

VislorTurlough

After 6 straight fights vs top 3 opponents, Usyk can have a gimme. That’s why I was ok with Wilder. Or Ruiz. But if he’s only gonna fight 1x a year and grind division to a halt then that’s not so cool

4mo ago

ELPacman

I mean if Usyk is looking to pick on a has-been, I'd say Ruiz is up there with Wilder. All the things that made him really dangerous years ago have wilted since. Granted, Usyk is any fight away from getting old overnight so to speak, so there is risk with just about any opponent he picks.

4mo ago

El_Mero

Ruiz doesn't deserve a shot at Usyk. He hasn't done anything in the years since he beat Joshua and he looked like crap in the rematch with Joshua. He's too lazy to even stay in shape and fight. If he wants a title shot he should have to work his way up to that. It almost looks like he silently retired. Same thing as Wilder

4mo ago

Haka

I'd like to see this fight but Ruiz would price himself out before stepping in the ring.

4mo ago

Damn_Wicked

4mo ago

famicommander

I had Ruiz losing to Ortiz despite the three knockdowns (one of which was bogus). Ortiz essentially won every round he stayed on his feet for and he was a washed up shell of himself at that point in time. Ruiz way as well have retired off that Joshua win because that's the last time he was a serious fighter. Dropped by the ghost of Arreola, gifted a win against the ghost of Ortiz.

4mo ago

daggum

well ruiz jr had a much better career than wilder but wilder did knock out all those bums so there is that

4mo ago

M312

Styles do make fights and Andy Ruiz has not got the feet movement, energy or punch variety to pose Usyk any problems. Not sure he would land a single punch.

4mo ago

RockyKO

Ruiz hasn't fought in a year and only 3 times since 2021. I like him becacuse he seems to be a good guy but I think getting all of that money made him take the sport for granted.

4mo ago

Boxing_112

No. Only option for Usyk should be Kabayel in Germany.

4mo ago