ANDY RUIZ JR is set to return to action against Luis Ortiz on August 13 in Los Angeles.
The Mexican-American hasn’t been in action since defeating Chris Arreola in May last year.
Anthony Joshua’s former conqueror survived getting knocked to the canvas by Arreola before prevailing on points.
The slimmed down ex-heavyweight champ had hoped to put a run together in the division, only to be thwarted by injury.
Ruiz Jr, 32, was forced to undergo knee surgery shortly after his win over Arreola.
He will now face southpaw Ortiz at Crypto.com Arena in a bout that could have big title ramifications.
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The Cuban has put together wins over Alexander Flores and Charles Martin since losing to Deontay Wilder for a second time in November 2019.
Both men have aspirations to claim another shot at the belts.
Andy Ruiz Sr has been talking up his son’s chances of reclaiming the title.
He told ESPN: “My son is going to shut up the one who dared to call him a coward.
“Andy is very motivated, he is ready to show the world that he belongs to the elite of heavyweights and that he is not afraid of anyone.”
Ruiz Jr had been initially expected to face Tyrone Spong on July 16, after the event was announced by Triller.
But it emerged that the former champ had already signed up to face Ortiz, meaning that the Spong bout will not go ahead.
