Andy Ruiz targets Anthony Joshua in ambitious wish list of big fights

Andy Ruiz is undoubtedly one of the most dangerous heavyweights in recent generations. He has scored impressive wins, including his mammoth upset win over Anthony Joshua in 2019.

Since that historic win in Madison Square Garden, Ruiz’s career has ground to a halt, with only four fights since that night, including the rematch against AJ. Ruiz recently spoke to Covers about his heavyweight wishlist, which includes a trilogy bout with Joshua.

Andy Ruiz reveals Heavyweight wish list

All fighters have that list of fighters they would like to face, whether it’s the biggest names or title holders, and the former unified heavyweight champion Andy Ruiz (35-2-1, 22 KOs) is no different.

When discussing his wish list, Ruiz revealed his desire to face undisputed heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk:

“I feel everybody’s just trying to get Usyk,” Ruiz acknowledged. “Usyk is the one with the belts. Usyk is the one with the name. And Usyk is the money man. So I think that’s a good fight that I’d be interested in as well.”

Revealing a DM exchange between the two, Ruiz said:

“Maybe like a few weeks ago, I was messaging Usyk. I guess he sent me a message or something. I was like, ‘Hey, much love, brother. I would love to get in the ring with you. It would be a pleasure.’ And then he was like, “In God’s timing, we will do it. We will run it up.” And I was like, “‘Oh, snap.'”

Ruiz also revealed all the names he would like to face: 

“Usyk, Tyson Fury, Joshua, and (Deontay) Wilder for sure – four of them. Those are the big names,” said Ruiz.

The fifth name on Andy Ruiz’s wishlist

Ruiz also discussed a fifth name on his list: former UFC superstar Francis Ngannou:

“I think that would have been a fight that I’d be interested in,” he told Covers. “But it all depends on them if they would take it.

“I know they still underestimate this chubby little man, this chubby Mexican man. I don’t know if they would take the fight. I don’t know if they would think it’s too dangerous or whatnot. But a fight with Ngannou, I think that would be awesome.”

A fit and focused Andy Ruiz is a threat to any heavyweight. His speed and power have seen him gain impressive wins throughout his career.

He has proven he can take a punch, and his desire to never take a backward step ensures he’s always in entertaining fights. He moves well for his size, and if he can get back to anywhere near his best, he can still play a major role in today’s heavyweight landscape.