Andy Ruiz Jr. shared details about stalled negotiations for a potential fight with Oleksandr Usyk. The former unified heavyweight champion revealed that Usyk’s team contacted him before the matchup with Rico Verhoeven was finalized. Ruiz mentioned knowing Usyk’s manager from their younger sparring days at Freddie Roach’s gym.
Ruiz on Usyk’s Decision to Fight Verhoeven
In an interview with casino.org, Andy Ruiz Jr. explained how the opportunity to fight Usyk fell through, leading to Usyk’s decision to face Verhoeven. Ruiz stated:
“So before that fight was organised, they messaged me and asked me if I would like to fight Usyk in the United States – I know his manager from when I was younger at Freddie Roach’s gym because I used to spar with all of the heavyweights when I was a little kid.”
Ruiz suggested that a more lucrative deal likely enticed Usyk to face Verhoeven in Egypt. The fight, scheduled for May 23rd at the Pyramids of Giza, will see Usyk defend his WBC and lineal titles against Verhoeven, who has limited professional boxing experience, having competed in 60 kickboxing bouts with a 60-10 record, and only two professional boxing rounds.
Usyk, with an undefeated professional record of 24 bouts, holds an Olympic gold medal and has been the undisputed heavyweight champion twice. His last fight was a knockout victory over Dubois last summer. Verhoeven, known as the “King of Kickboxing,” is recognized for his striking power, evident in his wins against Ismael Lazaar and Badt Hari, showcasing strong jab and range control.
Andy Ruiz Jr. Reflects on Failed Oleksandr Usyk Talks Before Rico Verhoeven Bout
While Ruiz favors Usyk to win the upcoming fight, he acknowledged Verhoeven’s demonstrated power based on training footage and past performances. Ruiz attributed Usyk’s potential advantage to his extensive experience and boxing style, particularly if Verhoeven refrains from utilizing his kickboxing techniques.
“Usyk should win. He’s an experienced fighter. He’s the champion. He’s the undisputed heavyweight champion. But I heard a lot of people saying for him to be careful against Verhoeven. He’s no joke. I’ve seen a few little videos of him hitting the bag and some fights, but I think Usyk beats him, especially if he’s not using his legs.”
Ruiz envisions a future bout against Usyk, believing it would be a significant draw with appeal across Mexican, Ukrainian, and American fan bases. He anticipates a technical opening to the fight, focusing on distance and counter-punching, but ultimately believes he could secure a victory by targeting Usyk’s body, which he believes is a weakness.
“At first, it would be a technical fight to get our distance and assess the countering, but I think I would stop him. I would stop him in the body because he doesn’t like getting hit in the body.”
Ruiz plans to have tune-up fights this year, aiming for a high-profile opponent in December to re-establish his standing in the elite heavyweight division. Usyk, meanwhile, has chosen to pursue his goal of undisputed championship status.