Former WBC heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder made his confidence clear ahead of a potential fight with Andy Ruiz Jr as he looked to claim the belt to regain the belt he has held for more than five years.
In recent months, Wilder has been linked to a fight with Ruiz, with the winner going to be a mandatory WBC challenger and have a chance to fight for the title with Tyson Fury.
Wilder won the WBC title in 2015 and made 11 successful defenses before being knocked out by Fury in February 2020.
After losing to ‘King of Gypsy’ again – although performances have improved under new coach Malik Scott – the boxer from Alabama has been away from the ring for a year and returned with a knockout- out before Robert Helenius late last year.
Ruiz also has world championship experience, having weathered one of the biggest upsets since the turn of the millennium when he defeated Anthony Joshua in 2019 to become the unified world champion.
While Wilder has only entered one round in the past fourteen months, the Mexican has gone all twelve in his last two matches against Chris Arreola and Luis Ortiz – winning decisively on both occasions.
In an interview with ES . NewsWilder explains his bravery and belief that Ruiz is simply not qualified to defeat him.
“Andy is a good boxer. I like his speed, his readiness and his bravery, but that won’t be enough for me.”
“He will have to put an additional formula on top of all the things I name. He’ll have to apply more because I’m a man. I am that man.
That’s why they are afraid of me. Do you understand? With me, you’ll need extra help and I’m not just talking about you.
When the negotiations seemed to be finally moving forward, the day continues to be the sticking point.
The bout was originally rumored to be in May, however that date will be close to Errol Spence Jr v Keith Thurman – which will also be a PBC pay-per-view match – meaning the heavyweight clash is likely to take place. took place a month later in June .
