Deontay Wilder and Andy Ruiz Jr. will compete in a final eliminator

The news, which was released today at the WBC convention in Alcupolco, is not unexpected given that Wilder and Ruiz are now ranked #1 and #2 in the governing body’s official rankings.

It’s official: Deontay Wilder and Andy Ruiz Jr. will compete in a final eliminator, with the winner advancing to confront current champion Tyson Fury.

The news, which was released today at the WBC convention in Alcupolco, is not unexpected given that Wilder and Ruiz are now ranked #1 and #2 in the governing body’s official rankings.

“The WBC will sanction Ruiz against Wilder as a final elimination for the mandatory position in the heavyweight division.”

In order for the all-American fight to take place, both men had to win their comeback fights this fall. Ruiz defeated Cuban veteran Luis Ortiz in a close decision, while Wilder made his comeback by devastatingly knocking out Robert Helenius in the first round.

Oleksandr Usyk, the undisputed world champion, had been connected to a fight with Wilder, and Ruiz had hinted at a trilogy fight with Anthony Joshua. But given that Wilder and Ruiz are the top two contenders for the WBC and are both contracted to Al Haymon’s PBC, a fight between the two was always most likely to come next.

In regards to the battle, fans on social media appear to be evenly divided. Some believe Ruiz will be the newest addition to Wilder’s impressive showreel of highlight knockouts, while others believe Ruiz’s hand speed and distinct counterpunching style will force “The Bronze Bomber” to confront questions that he will be unable to address.

At this time, Ruiz is a little underdog compared to betting favourites Wilder and Wilder.

Ruiz said “I feel that I can take a punch. I’m not saying that he doesn’t hit hard or nothing – damn well he hits hard. But just like Eddie Hearn was saying, I’m going to get in, I’m going to throw my combinations, I’m going to be fast, explosive, and I feel that right hand in his temple, he’s gonna go down.”

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