Andy Ruiz Jr Vs Luis Ortiz Fight Date Confirmed

Andy Ruiz Jr, the Mexican American who famously beat Anthony Joshua at Madison Square Garden to claim the WBA IBF, WBO and IBO world heavyweight titles, hadn't fought since May 2021, when he defeated Chris Areola by unanimous decision to get back to winning ways following his defeat in the Joshua rematch. But, as we enter May 2022, it appears as though the Destroyer has his next opponent in his sights.

According to reports, Ruiz Jr is set to face off against another heavyweight with an excellent record in the form of Cuba’s Luis Ortiz. Ortiz, who is now forty-three, has only suffered two defeats throughout his career. And both reverses came against big-hitting Alabaman and the former WBC heavyweight champion, Deontay Wilder, a man Ruiz Jr has been linked with fighting in times gone by. 

Ortiz may be on the wrong side of forty and over a decade older than thirty-two-year-old Ruiz Jr, but it doesn't mean that he won't pose a significant threat in the bout. Last time out on New Year's day, the Cuban rolled back the years to stop Charles Martin, the former IBF heavyweight champion of the world, in the sixth round. And with twenty-five knockouts from twenty-eight victories, he’s a live opponent who will be doing his all to leave the ring victorious on August 13 in Los Angeles.

Ruiz Jr, who was aiming to be active following his victory over Areola last May to make his way back into the upper echelons of the heavyweight division, was forced to undergo surgery on his knee, which saw him sidelined for a considerable amount of time. But, the Mexican American will be hoping that he can kickstart that journey with a win against Ortiz, which would undoubtedly be a statement of intent.

There was confusion recently, as it was reported that Ruiz Jr would take on Tyrone Spong on July 16, after an official announcement by streaming outfit Triller. Spong, who hasn’t boxed since 2019, is also an MMA star and former kickboxer. And many felt that Ruiz Jr taking the thirty-six-year-old on didn’t show the Destroyer had the motivation or intent to stake a claim in the heavyweight division anymore. But, the bout with Spong quickly dissipated because Ruiz Jr had actually signed to fight Ortiz before entering negotiations with Spong and his team.

Ruiz Jr, whose father believes will “shut up the ones who dared to call him (his son) a coward,” will be hoping that being over ten years Ortiz’s junior will pay dividends in their upcoming clash. Ruiz Jr, who has also been seen across social media platforms such as Instagram looking in great shape, is renowned for his fast hands. They proved to be Joshua’s kryptonite, with Ruiz Jr unleashing flurries of target punches to defeat the Brit, and the Mexican American will be hoping they will be too hot for Ortiz to handle too.