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

[Sallywynder]

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

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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...-talks-return/

[Boxing 112]

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

[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.

[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.

[daggum]

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

[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.

[Spray_resistant]

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

Another credit to Wilder's resume is that some of those bums took dives so he didn't even have to ko them.

[Damn Wicked]

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.

[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

[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.