Former unified heavyweight champion Andy Ruiz Jr has confirmed his formal return to boxing after nearly two years of limited activity, outlining a high-stakes “hit list” spearheaded by Oleksandr Usyk. The Mexican-American heavyweight, who has not secured a professional victory since 2022, revealed he is reuniting with trainer Manny Robles to execute a three-stage comeback strategy involving a tune-up fight, a title eliminator, and a world championship opportunity.
The announcement signals a new chapter for the man who famously upended the division in 2019. After struggling with hand injuries that sidelined him for long stretches, Andy Ruiz Jr stated he is finally “healthy again” and feeling “strong.” By returning to Robles—the coach who oversaw his historic upset of Anthony Joshua—Ruiz Jr emphasized a need for external discipline, admitting that he previously struggled when set to his own schedule. Andy Ruiz Jr is reportedly nearing a comeback that will test if he can still compete with the division’s elite.
The heavyweight landscape has shifted significantly since Ruiz Jr’s short reign, and he enters this comeback following a mixed run of form. His most recent outing in August 2025 ended in a majority draw against Jarrell Miller, his first appearance in roughly three years following his 2022 win over Luis Ortiz. Despite the layoff, Ruiz Jr remains optimistic about his physical condition and his standing in the divisional hierarchy.
Heavyweight hit list targets Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury
At the top of the priority list for Andy Ruiz Jr is a showdown with Oleksandr Usyk. The former champion was blunt about the appeal of the matchup, noting that the Ukrainian currently holds the belts and carries the highest financial profile in the sport. Although prior negotiations for a clash with Usyk fell through as both camps took different routes, Ruiz Jr believes he remains the “money man” of interest for a future title shot.
The prospect of a clash with Tyson Fury also remains a concrete possibility for late 2026. Spencer Brown, the manager for Tyson Fury, has mentioned Ruiz Jr as a potential opponent for an August 2026 date. This bout would serve as a Tyson Fury warm-up fight before a proposed winter mega-fight against Anthony Joshua. Ruiz Jr, however, claims he would be “way too much” for Fury, citing his combination punching and pressure as the keys to an upset.
Another major target is a trilogy bout with Anthony Joshua to settle their career series, which currently stands at one win apiece. Ruiz Jr has openly expressed his desire for revenge following his loss in Saudi Arabia, admitting that he was unprepared for their December 2019 rematch. He mentioned that he has discussed the possibility of this third meeting with promoter Eddie Hearn, noting the “bad blood” that remains between the two camps.
Discipline and the Manny Robles reunion
Success in this comeback will likely hinge on Ruiz Jr’s ability to maintain the professional standards he admittedly lacked in the past. By returning to Manny Robles, the fighter is looking for a coach who will keep him “in check.” Under Robles, Ruiz Jr became the first champion of Mexican heritage to hold the IBF, WBO, and WBA titles, and he believes this familiarity is essential for his final run at the top.
This discipline will be required if he is to finally face Deontay Wilder. While a WBC eliminator between the two previously failed to materialize—with Wilder’s trainer Malik Scott suggesting Ruiz Jr demanded too much money—the “Destroyer” still views it as a major fight. Other names on the periphery of his comeback plans include Joseph Parker, Zhilei Zhang, and rising star Moses Itauma, as he seeks to re-establish his ranking. With a Tyson Fury vs Anthony Joshua clash penciled in for the future, the window is closing for Ruiz Jr to force his way into the title picture.
Promotional clarity is also expected soon, with Ruiz Jr hinting that “big news” regarding his representation will be announced in the coming weeks. For a fighter who reportedly earned £8.23 million ($10 million) in his first Joshua bout, the financial stakes remain high. Whether he can translate his renewed health and training into a second world title remains the most pressing question in the heavyweight division.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the primary target for Andy Ruiz Jr’s comeback?
Andy Ruiz Jr has identified Oleksandr Usyk as his top priority because the Ukrainian holds the heavyweight titles and represents the most significant financial opportunity. While he also wants a trilogy with Anthony Joshua, Usyk is currently the man at the top of his hit list.
When was the last time Andy Ruiz Jr won a fight?
Andy Ruiz Jr has not won a professional boxing match since 2022, when he defeated Luis Ortiz. Since that victory, he has dealt with hand injuries and long periods of inactivity, most recently fighting to a majority draw against Jarrell Miller in August 2025.
Why did Andy Ruiz Jr return to trainer Manny Robles?
Andy Ruiz Jr returned to Manny Robles because he believes he needs a coach who will keep him disciplined and “in check.” Robles was the trainer who guided him to his unified world title victory in 2019, and Ruiz Jr wants to replicate that structure for his final career run.
