Andy Ruiz has hinted that his two-year hiatus from the ring could soon be over.
‘The Destroyer’ hasn’t fought since defeating Luis Ortiz on points in November 2022, and has been rather frozen out of the world title mix with the division’s activity booming in the Middle East.
Ruiz previously held talks with Deontay Wilder last year over a WBC title eliminator, but it didn’t materialise and he was left without an opponent once again.
Reports from Mexico indicated that the former unified world champion was set to return on the undercard of Terence Crawford’s potential clash with Israil Madrimov which is planned for August 3.
And in his biggest hint yet that he is back this summer, Ruiz has responded to a social media post regarding the reported return date with a pair of eyes emoji.
He also went on to repost a fan’s tweet which read: “It’s about time man, they forgot about The Destroyer.”
Crawford’s return has already been signed, according to reports from ESPN, with ‘Bud’ seen posing alongside promoter Eddie Hearn and Saudi Boxing Chief H.E. Turki Alalshikh.
It appears now that Ruiz could take advantage of Middle East revolution in the sport by competing on a card, although an exact rival has yet to be confirmed.
The 34-year-old has fought just three times since being beaten by Anthony Joshua in November 2019, where he lost his belts as quick as he had won them.
Ruiz laboured to a points win over Chris Arreola in November 2021, before beating Ortiz one year afterwards.
He has looked in brilliant fighting shape after making a remarkable weight transformation, and could play a key role in the heavyweight landscape moving forwards.
His ex-coach, Manny Robles, agrees and has suggested that he should take any opportunity presented to him in a thriving time for the division.
“I think he would fight in this Saudi Arabia world title mix,” Robles said. “But where is Andy? That is the question.
“But he should come back and take advantage of this opportunity that has been given to all the heavyweight fighters.
“The opportunity to fight in Saudi Arabia and get in the mix, all these great heavyweight champions fighting each other.
“A loss should not determine the career of a fighter, I don’t think he should be judged by that defeat.”
