Promoter Eddie Hearn believes his new signing, former unified world champion Andy Ruiz Jr., is capable of defeating the heavyweight division’s new generation of titleholders. Following Oleksandr Usyk’s decision to vacate his WBA, WBC and IBF titles, Hearn has positioned Ruiz as a significant threat to the new champions.
The division has entered a period of change, with Murat Gassiev being elevated to WBA champion and Agit Kabayel also holding a world title. Promoter Frank Warren holds a strong hand with WBO champion Daniel Dubois and Kabayel in his stable. However, Hearn stated that Ruiz, who has joined Matchroom Boxing, has the credentials to disrupt their standing. Hearn told IFL TV: “He’s got a massive fanbase, he’s a huge name, he’s a very, very good fighter, and we all know with Andy Ruiz, he’s serious.”
Hearn specifically named the fighters he feels Ruiz can overcome. “When I look at the heavyweight division right now, you look at the champions. Gassiev, WBA, [Ruiz] beats him.” He continued with his assessment of other top contenders and champions in the division. “I also think he beats Daniel Dubois and [former WBO beltholder] Fabio Wardley. I believe he can beat Agit Kabayel.”
These plans are contingent on a successful return to the ring for Ruiz, who has not competed for two years. Hearn acknowledged the long layoff but remained confident in his fighter’s potential to return to the top level. “Don’t get me wrong, he hasn’t boxed for two years, and he’ll have his comeback fight in early September, but I believe he beats those guys.”
Ruiz’s return is scheduled for Friday, 4 September, in Newark, where he will face Poland’s Damian Knyba. A victory in that bout is the first necessary step if he is to pursue the title challenges that his new promoter has outlined. The event’s co-main feature will be a middleweight fight between Vito Mielnicki Jr. and Austin ‘Ammo’ Williams.
