Andy Ruiz Jr. shared details from a recent interview about stalled talks for a fight with Oleksandr Usyk. The former unified heavyweight champion said Usyk’s team reached out before the Rico Verhoeven matchup got set. He knows Usyk’s manager from sparring days at Freddie Roach’s gym.
Ruiz Spills: Usyk Ditched Me For Kickboxer Verhoeven Showdown
In an interview with casino.org/us, Andy Ruiz Jr. explained how the Usyk fight slipped out of his fingers in favor of Verhoeven. He said:
“So before that fight was organised, they messaged me and asked me if I would like to fight Usyk in the United States – I know his manager from when I was younger at Freddie Roach’s gym because I used to spar with all of the heavyweights when I was a little kid.”
Ruiz figured better money pulled Usyk to Egypt for the kickboxer. The May 23 clash at the Pyramids of Giza puts Usyk’s WBC and lineal titles on the line against Verhoeven, who has two pro boxing rounds under his belt after a 60-10 kickboxing run.
Usyk, undefeated in 24 pro bouts, holds Olympic gold and two undisputed heavyweight reigns. He last fought in a knockout win over Dubois last summer. Verhoeven, “King of Kickboxing,” retains power from fights like his shutout of Ismael Lazaar and Badt Hari with jabs and range control.
Andy Ruiz Jr Reveals Failed Oleksandr Usyk Talks Ahead Of Rico Verhoeven Fight
Ruiz picks Usyk but flags Verhoeven’s bag work and clips as real. He ties the edge to experience and Usyk’s style edge without kickboxing legs in play.
“Usyk should win. He’s an experienced fighter. He’s the champion. He’s the undisputed heavyweight champion. But I heard a lot of people saying for him to be careful against Verhoeven. He’s no joke. I’ve seen a few little videos of him hitting the bag and some fights, but I think Usyk beats him, especially if he’s not using his legs.”
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| LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – AUGUST 3: Andy Ruiz jr ( black with white shorts) and Jarrell Miller (Blue with whites shorts) during their Heavyweight Contest at BMO Stadium on August 3, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Mark Robinson/Matchroom Boxing/Getty Images) |
Ruiz eyes a future clash as a money draw with Mexican-Ukrainian-American appeal. He sees a technical start turning to body shots. His forward speed could test Usyk early.
“At first, it would be a technical fight to get our distance and assess the countering, but I think I would stop him. I would stop him in the body because he doesn’t like getting hit in the body.”
Ruiz plans tune-ups this year, targeting an elite December foe to prove he’s current. Usyk chose his path as undisputed king.
- Timothy Wheaton
