Andy Ruiz Jr is eligible to contest WBC crown

Andy Ruiz will occupy high ranking with WBC

Mexican boxer Andy Ruiz may have the opportunity to dispute the heavyweight title of the World Boxing Council, says its President Mauricio Sulaiman.

Ruiz lost his IBF, WBA, WBO and IBO belts on Saturday, Dcember 7 in the rematch against Englishman Anthony Joshua in diriyah, Saudi Arabia. The highly-anticipated rematch was billed as 'Clash of the Dunes' in an historic outdoor event which say AJ win comfortably on points.

Mauricio said that despite the defeat, Ruiz will occupy a high position in the rankings of the WBC. And for this reason he would be a viable option to fight for the title currently held by American Deontay Wilder.

“Andy is going to be well rated and not only because of the big surprise he gave in June. He has a good record, showing good things. He’s in the boxing elite. Andy doesn’t need to have qualifying rounds or something else. Maybe he should rest, reflect on what he did wrong and move on with his career,” Mauricio Sulaiman said.

At the end of his fight, Ruiz, who was NABF champion endorsed by the WBC, explained that he did not have a good preparation and appreciably too many distractions.

“I don’t add up to the many statements that criticize Andy. He made a mistake, it cost him, and now he has to learn so he doesn’t repeat that again,” stressed the President of the WBC.

Wilder is set to defend his green and gold belt to rival Tyson Fury next on February 22 in Las Vegas and he has another mandatory obligation to fulfill against newly-reinstated #1 contender Dillian Whyte in February 2021, which means there is potential for a match to be made between Ruiz and Wilder in the second half of next year.