Andy Ruiz Jr. names Tyson Fury as boxing’s highest-rated heavyweight

Andy Ruiz Jr. has sparked new debate in the heavyweight division after naming Tyson Fury as the most decorated active fighter. The comments come just days before Fury returns to the ring, drawing more attention to an already high-profile bout.

Former unified champion Ruiz made the comments during a recent interview in which he was asked to identify the highest-rated boxer in the sport today.

Their response was direct and immediate focused on Fury, a fighter widely considered one of the top heavyweights of his era. The timing of the statement has attracted attention as Fury is preparing to fight again after a period of inactivity and recent defeat.

Andy Ruiz Jr. questions Tyson Fury’s condition

Ruiz initially hesitated before giving his answer. “I don’t know, there are some of them that I want to say, but I don’t want to blow them out.”

“I’m going to say Tyson Fury because they hype him up so much but to me, I don’t even think he’s a crazy fighter. Yes, he’s done a lot in the sport. But I think the only guy he really beat was Wilder. So yes, I’m going to say Tyson Fury.”

Fury, known as “The Gypsy King”, has put together a strong record that includes a trilogy with Deontay Wilder. Their second fight in 2020 ended in a knockout victory for Fury and it remains one of the defining fights of his career.

Ruiz’s comments focus on how Fury is viewed in light of his recent performances. While acknowledging Fury’s accomplishments, Ruiz suggested that the level of praise may exceed the performances he has shown in the ring in recent years.

Tyson Fury returns after defeat by Oleksandr Usyk

Fury is set to return to action against Arslanbek Makhmudov at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London. This fight is his first appearance in 16 months.

His last outing came in December 2024, when he lost a rematch to Oleksandr Usyk in Riyadh. Usyk had also defeated Fury earlier that year, making it four consecutive losses for Fury against the same opponent.

These results have raised questions about Fury’s current position in the division. The upcoming fight gives him a chance to return to winning form and re-establish momentum.

The event also features Conor Benn against Regis Prograis on the same card.

Ruiz remains a notable figure in the heavyweight division. In 2019, he defeated Anthony Joshua by stoppage in New York, scoring four knockdowns and winning multiple world titles.

Joshua regained the belt in a rematch in Saudi Arabia later that year, but Ruiz’s first win remains one of the division’s most significant results in recent years.

As Fury prepares for his return, Ruiz’s comments add another layer to the discussion surrounding the heavyweight landscape. As the division continues to feature several active contenders and upcoming bouts, the focus now turns to Fury’s performance and what lies ahead in his career.

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Dogley Wilberforce is a boxing writer for SportsNaught, covering fight news, fighter reactions and major bouts in the sport… More about Dogley Wilberforce

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