Andy Ruiz Jr shows off incredible career-best physique as fight wait continues

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Highlights

• Andy Ruiz Jr has transformed his body and is in the best shape of his career as he awaits fight news.
• Talks between Ruiz Jr and Deontay Wilder for an interim WBC heavyweight showdown have stalled, leaving his next opponent uncertain.
• Despite the setbacks, Ruiz Jr’s incredible physique suggests he is motivated and ready to make a comeback in pursuit of a world title. #ComebackKing

Andy Ruiz Jr has shown off various body transformations throughout his career, but in his latest social media post, the Mexican looks in arguably the best shape of his career as he awaits fight news. The ex-champion has fought just three times since his shock victory over Anthony Joshua in 2019, one of which included a rematch loss when he relinquished the titles after looking extremely out of shape.

Ruiz Jr has since beaten Chris Arreola and Luis Ortiz in 2021 and 2022 respectively, and is eyeing his pursuit of a world title with the WBC crown held by Tyson Fury in particular in mind. The ‘Gypsy King’ claimed the ex-champ priced himself out of the fight and talks have stalled over a potential showdown with Deontay Wilder which has left him without an appearance so far this year.

Who’s next for Andy Ruiz Jr?

Ruiz Jr has not fought since last year and has been in negotiations for several fights to date with one yet to materialize despite his tenacity. The Mexican has gone back and forth mainly with Deontay Wilder over a WBC interim heavyweight showdown with the shot initially looking like it would be mandated, but talks appear to have stalled.

The pair sparred over fight terms in public videos on social media, with Wilder suggesting he is far and away the A-side in negotiations which are now likely to see him instead move on to a mega-money clash with Joshua himself in Saudi Arabia. It remains unclear exactly what options are now available to Ruiz Jr, but he will be hoping a fight can materialize by the end of 2023.

Deontay Wilder talks Andy Ruiz Jr fight collapse

Wilder has broken his silence on the fight, explaining exactly why he believes the pair were unable to meet in the middle and secure a fight. He told ES NEWS: “He priced himself out. He wanted 25 million. 20-25 million and he knows he’s not going to get it anywhere. Being a six-month champion or less. That would” has been less than that if Joshua didn’t join.

“How do they think they will get 20 million? It’s the dad. You daddy trying to steal, b**ch. Stop it. If this isn’t a prize out there, what is? Come on. This isn’t even a title fight. This is what an eliminator? You are talking about 20-25 million. Guess what? I hope you enjoy sitting on the shelf.”

The ‘Bronze Bomber’ fought Helenius last year and was in intense negotiations with Ruiz Jr for several weeks, with the winner likely to be mandated to challenge Fury’s belt. But he is now traveling a different path and Ruiz Jr will likely soon be forced to take on an alternative contender to increase his activity in the hope that he can fight his way back into title contention.

Andy Ruiz Jr’s incredible form

Ruiz Jr has been back in training as he looks to remain fit should an opportunity arise in the coming week. In trademark fashion, the heavyweight has posted some training photos from this week and looks in incredible shape, arguably the best of his career so far.

WATCH: Andy Ruiz Jr looks fit on cushions

The former champion crashes the pads with a ferocious hand speed in the video, which has become a trademark of his skills over the years. On his Instagram story, Ruiz Jr also posted a photo of himself showing off a beaming and muscular physique, which is a far cry from the form fans have been used to for the Mexican who has faced widespread criticism.

Ruiz Jr looks a completely different figure compared to his form for the rematch with Joshua, which he admitted was out of character and due to a lack of preparation for the second event. With motivation a new lease of life in training, Ruiz Jr’s form could point to a hunt for silverware again, provided he can strike a fight.