Andy Ruiz: “Tyson Fury is overrated”

Tyson Fury is stepping back into the ring this Saturday, looking to get his career back on track against Russian powerhouse Arslanbek Makhmudov. After suffering back‑to‑back losses to Ukrainian champion Oleksandr Usyk, Fury is hoping to reclaim momentum — but Mexican‑American heavyweight Andy Ruiz isn’t convinced.

In an interview with Casino.org, Ruiz was asked who he expects to win this weekend’s fight. He picked Fury, but questioned the legitimacy of his résumé.

“I’m going to say Tyson Fury because he gets promoted so much,” Ruiz said. “But to me, I don’t even think he’s that crazy of a fighter. Yeah, he’s done a lot in the sport. But I feel like the only really good guy he beat was Wilder. So yeah, I’ll say Tyson Fury.”

A win could put Fury back in the conversation for a showdown with Anthony Joshua — a fighter Ruiz famously knocked out on June 1, 2019, before losing the rematch that December by unanimous decision.

“I dropped Anthony Joshua four times,” Ruiz added. “But he’s not who I think is the most overrated boxer today.” His comments come just weeks after Joshua broke Jake Paul’s jaw in their recent bout.

Andy Ruiz: nearly two years out of the ring

Despite his criticism, Ruiz hasn’t fought in almost two years. His last appearance was on August 3, 2024, when he fought Jarrell Miller to a draw.

Manny Robles, Ruiz’s former trainer, recently said the door is open for Ruiz to return this year — and believes he still has the tools to become a world champion again.

“If he wants it, he can do it,” Robles said earlier this year. “In one or two fights, he could be back in position for a world title shot. Why? Because he’s with the right people — the people who can give him that opportunity.”

Get closer to the game! Whether you like your soccer of the European variety or that on this side of the pond, our AS USA app has it all. Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more. Plus, stay updated on NFL, NBA and all other big sports stories as well as the latest in current affairs and entertainment. Download now for all-access coverage, right at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.

And there’s more: check out our TikTok and Instagram reels for bite-sized visual takes on all the biggest soccer news and insights.