Andy Ruiz Jr has demanded more money to fight Derek Chisora after Eddie Hearn confirmed he has made an offer to stage the heavyweight clash.
Chisora last fought in an epic rematch with Joseph Parker ended in brave defeat back in December. The Briton called for a fight with Ruiz on social media after the Mexican star asked fans who they wanted him to fight next.
Hearn has revealed he wants to make the fight happen in the UK and has opened talks with Premier Boxing Champions over a fan-friendly heavyweight clash. “When is Chisora out next?” Hearn said. "I want to make Chisora against Andy Ruiz Jr. I made PBC an offer for that fight on Friday. They want more money, understood, but I want to make Chisora vs Ruiz, that’s a great fight."
The British heavyweight faced calls to retire from several people including friend Tony Bellew and current trainer Dave Coldwell. He has also called out American star Deontay Wilder since his recent defeat but any showdown between the pair seems unlikely.
Ruiz has fought just once since his rematch defeat to Anthony Joshua in 2019, defeating Chris Arreola by unanimous decision despite being knocked down early on. He is now working with boxing's Trainer Of The Year Eddy Reynoso whose talented stable includes Canelo Alvarez.
The Mexican star burst on to the scene after putting on a scintillating display to abruptly spoil Joshua's American debut back in 2019 with a seventh-round stoppage. However after the fight he confessed to basking in his glory and was ousted by Joshua who put on a slick boxing display to gain his revenge in Saudi Arabia later that year.
Who would win if the pair fought - Andy Ruiz or Derek Chisora? Let us know in the comments section below
Ruiz is now looking to return to the summit of the heavyweight division and become two-time champion. He made the call for fans on social media, tweeting: “Who should I fight next? Let me see in the comments.” Chisora swiftly replied: "Want to come to London?”
Chisora was initially paired with Wilder by Hearn after continuing to entertain fans with his display against Parker in Manchester. He has expressed his desire to continue fighting and was present cageside with his promoter at UFC London this weekend.
Despite his previous claim, Hearn has since backtracked on making any bout with Wilder and revealed that Luis Ortiz and Zhang Zhilei are also alternative options. “It’s obviously a very dangerous fight [against Wilder]," Hearn told talkSPORT. "There’s been a few talks about Chisora against Luis Ortiz, with those guys. and I like that fight.
“Chisora against [Chris] Arreola. Chisora against Zhang Zhilei. He’s never in a bad fight and he wants to fight. He wants the biggest fights out there and we’re trying to find him one.”
