Andy Ruiz Jr draws up two fighter shortlist for next opponent in heavyweight return

Ruiz Jr wants 'big fish' contest before facing Wilder later

Andy Ruiz Jr has named two opponents that he would like to face in the ring next, in a bid to remain on a collision course for a clash with Deontay Wilder in America in the following fight.

The Mexican returned to winning ways this year, defeating Chris Arreola by unanimous decision back in May despite being sent sprawling to the canvas earlier in the fight.

After becoming unified heavyweight champion of the world defeating Anthony Joshua in Saudi Arabia, Ruiz is plotting his route back to the top and wants to face Wilder along his path, as the pair have often exchanged words.

However Ruiz Jr has confirmed on the Hotboxin' podcast with Mike Tyson that he would like to first face either Luis Ortiz or Dillian Whyte in his next fight, with the belief that he can defeat one of the men and help buold his case for another world title shot with Joshua and Fury in action later in the summer.

He said on the podcast with 'Iron' Tyson: "There is a lot of different options out there, we have Luis Ortiz who keeps calling me out at the moment. We also have Whyte from the UK who I could fight, I have to just stay in shape now and focus and be waiting for the next challenge."

Rumours initially emerged after the Arreola fight that Ruiz wasn't in shape once again, and looked poor in the ring in comparison to the performance in America in the first victory over Joshua.

But Ruiz Jr reflected on the fight positively, and believes that he is very capable of competing with the best once again.

He said: "After the long lay off against Anthony Joshua, I really felt it personally.

"I felt the rustiness in the ring and that my speed had dropped, and it was so much different compared to sparring back in the real fight once again.

In the end I was just grateful to get in the rounds and got the job done, that was the most important thing."

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