Oscar De La Hoya would not be shocked if Andy Ruiz finds the shot to stop Deontay Wilder in their potential heavyweight clash.
It’s expected that the former heavyweight champions are set to collide at some point in 2023 with both setting their sights on reclaiming heavyweight glory.
Ruiz became heavyweight champion of the world in the summer of 2019 when he produced one of the modern era’s biggest upsets by stopping Anthony Joshua in New York.
Despite his dominant win, his reign was short-lived as he piled on the weight and surrendered his belts to ‘AJ’ in a rematch later that year.
Wilder’s incredible run as WBC champion was brought to an end in 2020 when he was halted by Tyson.
The same result happened the following year, but Wilder exited that fight with his stock increased following a valiant effort.
The winner of a possible Wilder vs. Ruiz showdown is set to be rewarded with an immediate world title shot, and De La Hoya has had his say on the meeting.
“He knocked out Anthony Joshua, which was the shock of the century. I think Andy Ruiz can do the same thing to Deontay if he catches him,” said De La Hoya when speaking with FightHype.
“Deontay is a very different fighter from Joshua. He’s a smarter fighter, he’s a more passionate fighter. Deontay is smarter. He can use his distance He has that powerful jab, right hand. The only thing that worries me is the chin of Deontay.
“So, if Ruiz catches him, it’s lights out. Everybody knows that, but he has to catch him. I think it’s going to be a good fight.”