Former unified heavyweight champion Andy Ruiz Jr. has confirmed his intention to secure at least one or two tune-up bouts before participating in a high-stakes heavyweight title eliminator. The announcement, made around May 17, 2026, signals a cautious return for the fighter who has been recovering from persistent hand injuries and a significant period of inactivity. Ruiz Jr. last appeared in the ring on August 3, 2024, when he fought to a 12-round majority draw against Jarrell Miller at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles.
The “Destroyer” is currently nearing his 37th birthday, which falls in September 2026. This age factor, combined with a career that has lacked consistent momentum, makes his next move critical. Since losing his unified titles to Anthony Joshua in December 2019, Ruiz Jr. has competed only three times. In fact, his last five professional outings have been spread across a period of five years, three months, and 14 days, resulting in an average of more than a year between fights.
Currently, Ruiz Jr. holds a professional record of 35 wins, 2 losses, and 1 draw, including 22 victories by knockout. While he is often cited among the most dangerous boxers for his explosive hand speed, his recent output has been stalled by recovery. “I want to get in there, bro. I want to get in there. We’ve been training like crazy,” Ruiz Jr. told Fighthype, noting that he is feeling physically ready but lacks the recent rounds necessary for elite competition.
Strategic return following hand recovery
Ruiz Jr. emphasized that his desire for preliminary fights is a matter of readiness rather than avoiding top-tier talent. He specifically addressed rumors regarding a potential clash with rising British star Moses Itauma, who is reportedly eyeing a return to London’s O2 Arena on July 25, 2026. While Ruiz Jr. expressed confidence that he could defeat the young prospect, he told Casino.org that he would require two fights beforehand to reach 100% capacity.
The former champion’s career path has been complicated by shifting allegiances and injury layoffs. He hinted that news regarding his promotional future is coming soon, which could clear the way for organized title runs. This internal reorganization is vital as the sport continues to deal with the fallout from the Daniel Kinahan situation, which has forced many top-tier heavyweights to navigate more transparent business structures to secure major television dates.
And though he is focused on his return, Ruiz Jr. says he is enjoying his time away from the spotlight. “It’s beautiful because I’m with my family,” he said when discussing his recovery period. “I’m enjoying life, man. Being with the family, especially recovering from my hands.” This balance of personal time and gym work suggests a veteran who is no longer willing to rush into dangerous matchups without the proper physical foundation.
Road to the heavyweight title eliminator
A heavyweight title eliminator remains the ultimate goal for the Mexican-American veteran. He previously participated in a WBC eliminator in September 2022, where he defeated Luis Ortiz by unanimous decision. Since then, the WBC has previously ordered a clash between Ruiz Jr. and Deontay Wilder, though the fight never materialized. Other names currently linked to his return in rumor circles include Joseph Parker and Jared Anderson.
As Moses Itauma nears a London return, the pressure is on Ruiz Jr. to finalize his “tune-up” schedule. If he manages to stay active and healthy, he believes his style remains a threat to anyone in the division. He noted that a “Mexican fighting style” based on forward pressure would make a fight with someone like Itauma very interesting, provided he is in the right shape.
The logistics for his next appearance are still under wraps, but his bouts have historically been broadcast via DAZN PPV in both the United States and the United Kingdom. Fans will be watching to see if the man who famously stopped Anthony Joshua in June 2019 can reclaim his place at the top. For Ruiz Jr., the priority is clear: shake off the rust with lower-level opposition before testing himself against the division’s current leaders.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Andy Ruiz Jr.’s current professional boxing record?
Andy Ruiz Jr. holds a professional record of 35 wins, 2 losses, and 1 draw. Out of his 35 victories, 22 have come by way of knockout, giving him a 63% knockout ratio. Notably, Ruiz Jr. has never been stopped or knocked out in his professional career.
When was the last time Andy Ruiz Jr. won a fight by stoppage?
Ruiz Jr.’s most recent stoppage victory occurred on June 1, 2019, when he defeated Anthony Joshua via a 7th-round technical knockout at Madison Square Garden. His subsequent three fights resulted in a loss by unanimous decision to Joshua, two unanimous decision wins over Chris Arreola and Luis Ortiz, and a majority draw against Jarrell Miller.
Is there a confirmed date for Andy Ruiz Jr.’s next fight?
As of May 17, 2026, there is no officially confirmed date for Andy Ruiz Jr.’s return. While rumors have linked him to a July 25, 2026, event in London against Moses Itauma, Ruiz Jr. has publicly stated he wants at least one or two tune-up fights before taking on a challenge of that magnitude.
