Heavyweight champions Deontay Wilder and Andy Ruiz Jr shared an interview during the Manny Pacquiao vs Keith Thurman broadcast on Saturday night.
The WBC titlist and WBA, IBF & WBO belt-holder gave plenty of respect to one another as they discussed their upcoming bouts and a potential future meeting.
Wilder will make the next defence of his crown in a rematch with Luis Ortiz likely for November.
Not long afterwards, Ruiz will jump back into the ring with Anthony Joshua, though there is currently conflict over where this will take place.
The Mexican-American told FOX broadcasters: “We’re still in negotiations right now. They’re trying to make us go over there [to the UK].
“We’re trying to make it back over here in New York City.
“I think I’d be more comfortable there and we can run it back.”
For the past two years, all the talk in the heavyweight division had been gearing towards an undisputed title bout between Wilder and Joshua.
However, when this didn’t happen, Wilder instead made his own path by facing Tyson Fury, while AJ was dethroned by Ruiz.
Now, Wilder vs Ruiz Jr is the potential undisputed clash, something Deontay sees as an exciting prospect.
The ‘Bronze Bomber’ explained: “It’s been this way for a long time, since Lennox Lewis.
“Since there’s been a undisputed, undefeated, unified heavyweight champion. That sounds nice.”
Wilder then directly addressed Ruiz and said: “I’m just happy that, what you did, you brought us a different kind of energy to the heavyweight division.
“You brought a new face.
“They had three dragons and to come in when people doubted you – because they had less information about you.
“You go and do the unexpected and just changed it all up, I’m glad.”
Ruiz concluded the conversation when asked if he would entertain the idea of an undisputed clash in the future.
“Yeah of course, me and him, we’re in the same team so I’ve just gotta take [care of] business.
“We’ve gotta get Anthony Joshua, I’ve gotta beat him and we’ll move onto the next.”
You can catch WBC heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder in the flesh at the famous ICC Arena in Birmingham on July 27 at the marquee event of his UK tour with Showfighter and Gold Star. talkSPORT will be in attendance so click HERE or more information on the event and get your tickets HERE.
