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NEW YORK, NY – NOVEMBER 04: Deontay Wilder looks on after knocking down Bermane Stiverne in the first round during their rematch for Wilder’s WBC heavyweight title at the Barclays Center on November 4, 2017 in the Brooklyn Borough of New York City. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
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NEW YORK, NY – NOVEMBER 04: Deontay Wilder looks on after knocking down Bermane Stiverne in the first round during their rematch for Wilder’s WBC heavyweight title at the Barclays Center on November 4, 2017 in the Brooklyn Borough of New York City. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
The boxing world was stunned after the World Boxing Council (WBC) announced that it will be banning boxers from Russia and Belarus. And the WBC’s stand on the Russia-Ukraine conflict played a major role in the same. This, in turn, put many fights, including the Dmitry Bivol vs Artur Beterbiev, fight on hold. However, it seems like the organization is working on providing fans with interesting matchups. While sticking to their decision. In fact, the WBC recently ordered a few interesting fights, including three major showdowns. And it should be said major names like Deontay Wilder and Errol Spence Jr. are in the talks.
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Talking about banning athletes, WBC president Mauricio Suleiman said, “All fighters from Russia and Belarus are being removed from the WBC rankings The WBC will not sanction any fights in those two countries. And no national citizen from those two countries can compete for a WBC championship title.”
📝 Fights WBC ordered/approved today:
🥊 Deontay Wilder vs Andy Ruiz
🥊 Errol Spence vs Keith Thurman
🥊 David Benavidez vs Caleb Plant
🥊 Shakur Stevenson vs Isaac Cruz
🥊 Teofimo Lopez vs Sandor Martin
🥊 Sebastian Fundora vs Tony Harrison
🥊 Stephen Fulton-Brandon Figueroa II— Michael Benson (@MichaelBensonn) November 9, 2022
He also apologized to the athletes, while also mentioning that the WBC stands for peace. The organization recently released a list of potential matchups. And there is no denying that fans are in for a treat.
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NEW YORK, NY – MAY 17: Deontay Wilder looks on during his official weigh-in against Dominic Breazeale at LIU Athletic Center on May 17, 2019 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images)
One of the most interesting fights that have been ordered is the Deontay Wilder vs Andy Ruiz showdown. The other major fights on the list are Errol Spence Jr. vs Keith Thurman and David Benavidez vs Caleb Plant.
It seems like the WBC is preparing a complete feast for boxing fans amidst the bans.
Will Deontay Wilder fight Andy Ruiz?
Deontay Wilder was last seen showcasing a sensational performance against Robert Helenius on October 15, 2022. And went on to surprise fans with a first-round knockout.
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Andy Ruiz Jr. (left) with Omar Khalil, Managing Partner of Skill Challenge after losing the IBF, WBA, WBO & IBO World Heavyweight Championship belts to Anthony Joshua (not pictured) at the Diriyah Arena, Diriyah, Saudi Arabia. (Photo by Nick Potts/PA Images via Getty Images)
His potential fight with Andy Ruiz will be a heavyweight eliminator. With the winner fighting the WBC title holder. Meanwhile, current title holder Tyson Fury is set to defend the same in a fight against Derek Chisora.
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What are your thoughts on the upcoming matchups? Do share in the comments below.
Written by
Edited by
Ajinkya Aswale