‘We can make this fight happen!’ – Andy Ruiz Jr calls out Deontay Wilder following victory over Luis Ortiz

Andy Ruiz Jr and Deontay Wilder are on collision course with the heavyweight rivals both welcoming a fight following the former’s victory over Luis Ortiz on Sunday.

Ruiz Jr, who beat Anthony Joshua to claim the IBF, WBO and WBA heavyweight titles in 2019, sealed an impressive unanimous decision win over the veteran Cuban in Los Angeles.

Ortiz was knocked down three times – twice in round two and again in round seven – as Ruiz Jr sealed a clean sweep of the judges’ scorecards in front of Wilder, who was watching on from ringside.

‘The Bronze Bomber’ will make his own return to the ring in October against Robert Helenius having suffered defeat to Tyson Fury in his last two outings.

And should he come through that test, Ruiz Jr hopes the fight can be made quickly.

‘God willing he wins in October,’ Ruiz Jr said. ‘We’re in the same organisation. I want to thank Al Haymon. We can make this fight happen and let’s do it, let’s get it on.’

Wilder, invited into the ring after the fight, praised Ruiz Jr’s performance having fought Ortiz twice himself in 2018 and 2019, winning both fights by knockout.

‘It was a great fight, it was a hell of a fight,” Wilder said. This is what all the fans came to see. That right there deserves all the respect.

‘I always have love for Ortiz because we shared the ring and what we’re doing for our daughters. I always have love for him.

‘He came with a game plan and it seemed like he executed the game plan. Much love to him. We wish nothing best for him moving forward.’

Ruiz Jr has fought just twice since his rematch defeat to Joshua in Diriyah in December 2019, scoring a win over Chris Arreola in May 2021 before Sunday’s win in Los Angeles.

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