ANDY RUIZ JR is closing in on a mouthwatering heavyweight fight against Luis Ortiz.
The Mexican, who shocked the world in June 2019 when he beat Anthony Joshua to be crowned unified champ, was being lined up to face Deontay Wilder.
Andy Ruiz Jr is ready to make a return to the ring, with Luis Ortiz reportedly on the radar
But the former WBC king is still considering his future after two shattering losses to Tyson Fury.
Now, according to World Boxing News, veteran Ortiz, 42, is the more likely option for Ruiz Jr.
It is reported that ‘if Wilder comes back he’d undoubtedly be first choice’ – but Ortiz is now a viable option.
The Cuban has won his last two fights by knockout after being stopped himself by Wilder in November 2019.
Last time out he KO’d former IBF champion Charles Martin in the sixth round, after being floored himself in rounds one and four.
But Ruiz Jr, who secured a points win against Chris Arreola last time out, will have some work to do before getting back in the ring.
World Boxing News adds that he ‘isn’t in fighting shape’ and ‘isn’t in a progressive training camp’ with mentor Eddy Reynoso.
Both Ruiz Jr, 32, and Ortiz are looking to get back in the mix for world titles.
But seemingly their respective paths will be determined by Wilder’s big decision, with boxing manager Al Haymon waiting in the wings to pitch his next big fight.
Luis Ortiz is the man lined up to be Andy Ruiz Jr’s next opponent
Deontay Wilder is considering his future after two shattering defeats to Tyson Fury
