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Andy Ruiz Jr. Vs. Deontay Wilder – How Does It Play Out?

Originally posted on BoxingNews.com | Last updated Sep 15, 2025 12:52 AM ET

Andy Ruiz Jr. faced off with Deontay Wilder, as they teased a future fight.

Both fighters are looking to get their careers back on track. Ruiz Jr., a former unified champion, has been sidelined by a hand injury since his draw with Jarrell Miller in August 2024. He is now seeking his first win since 2022, when he beat Luis Ortiz.

Similarly, Wilder is in a rebuilding phase. After a string of defeats to top contenders, his victory over Tyrell Anthony Herndon in June was a much-needed confidence boost. However, that win was just his second in his last six fights. The following video shows the face off, with Ruiz hinting they could box next.

The Approach

Ruiz will look to win this fight by imposing his superior hand speed and combination punching. Ruiz has some of the quickest hands in the heavyweight division. His primary strategy would be to close the distance and get on the inside, where he can unleash combinations to both the head and body. He showed in his first fight against Anthony Joshua that he can overwhelm a taller, longer opponent by getting inside and working relentlessly. Ruiz is also known for his durability and a solid chin.

Wilder’s game plan is both simple: land the right hand. His strategy would be to use his long reach to keep Ruiz at the end of his jab, preventing the former champion from getting on the inside. Wilder would be patient, waiting for Ruiz to overcommit or make a defensive mistake, at which point he would unleash his right hand. His knockout of Luis Ortiz is a perfect example of this, as Ruiz-Wilder could offer an intriguing match-up.

This article first appeared on BoxingNews.com and was syndicated with permission.

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