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The two former heavyweight champions are expected to face each other in the near future in what will be deemed a final eliminator for the WBC world title.
Wilder, after two consecutive knockout losses to Tyson Fury, recovered with a violent first round knockout of Robert Helenius.
Ruiz, who lost in a decision to Anthony Joshua, has secured two wins with close decisions over Chris Arreola and Luis Ortiz. De La Hoya has a high level of respect for Ruiz's abilities, who shocked the world in 2019 with his knockout victory over Joshua to claim the WBO, IBF, WBA, and IBO world titles.
Although Ruiz possesses a strong punch, Wilder is considered the most formidable one-punch knockout artist in the heavyweight division.
De La Hoya predicts that if Ruiz lands, he has the ability to knockout Wilder. “He knocked out Anthony Joshua, which was the shock of the century. I think Andy Ruiz can do the same thing to Deontay if he catches him,” said De La Hoya to media
Deontay is a very different fighter from Joshua. He’s a smarter fighter, he’s a more passionate fighter. Deontay is smarter. He can use his distance He has that powerful jab, right hand. The only thing that worries me is the chin of Deontay. So, if Ruiz catches him, it’s lights out. Everybody knows that, but he has to catch him. I think it’s going to be a good fight