Andy Ruiz Jr. 2026 Hitlist – Is It Realistic?

Former unified heavyweight champion Andy Ruiz Jr. is plotting a big return to the ring in 2026, aiming straight for the division’s biggest names.

Ruiz’s career has struggled for consistency ever since his upset victory over Anthony Joshua in June 2019. That triumph was quickly followed by a loss in the immediate rematch, where Ruiz lost his unified heavyweight belts. Ruiz has reunited with trainer Manny Robles, who helped him beat Joshua.

This is vital since Ruiz is not in the best form. He secured a majority draw against Jarrell Miller last August and fractured his right hand. The last time he won was against Luis Ortiz in 2022. Ruiz wants a trilogy with Joshua, with suggestions that he was not in prime physical condition for their rematch. Other names include Tyson Fury, Deontay Wilder, and Oleksandr Usyk. 

“That’s something that I would love to [do]. I think that would be like the first fight that I would even want to join because, you know, there’s bad blood that we left behind – especially me, losing against him in Saudi Arabia, I want my revenge. Usyk, Tyson Fury, Joshua, and Wilder, for sure (I want to fight) – four of them. Those are the big names. I know they still underestimate this chubby little man, this chubby Mexican man. I don’t know if they would take the fight. I don’t know if they would think it’s too dangerous or whatnot,” Ruiz said 

Is It Realistic?

Ruiz must focus on fights designed to prove his current worth. Ruiz needs to fight a high-level gatekeeper known for durability and toughness. Zhilei Zhang (coming off his own recent losses) or Otto Wallin (who has previously gone the distance with Fury) would be perfect. A stoppage win against either would instantly legitimize his comeback.

Ruiz could also challenge a highly-touted prospect like Jared Anderson (if Anderson climbs the ranks fast enough). This is higher risk but would generate massive buzz, as Anderson has plenty to prove after his fear factor was lost when Martin Bakole stopped him in his first career defeat.

The most realistic high-profile options are settling his draw with Jarrell Miller or facing Deontay Wilder. Both fights are commercially viable and do not directly interfere with the current championship picture. A dominant victory over Miller is necessary to erase the disappointment of their 2024 draw.