'In God’s timing, we will do it'

BEING the world champion paints an immediate target on your back, and Oleksandr Usyk has no shortage of opponents lining up to fight him in 2026.

The undisputed world boxing champion has crushed every opponent he has crossed gloves with, including Tyson Fury, Anthony Joshua and Daniel Dubois.

Andy Ruiz Jr v Luis Ortiz - Weigh-in — Andy Ruiz Jr. has revealed an exchange about fighting Oleksandr UsykCredit: Getty Images – Getty

Oleksandr Usyk v Daniel Dubois - WBC, WBO, WBA & IBF World Heavyweight Titles — Usyk has no shortage of opponents who want to dethrone himCredit: Reuters

And an old of AJ nemesis is now lining up to fight the Ukrainian.

That being Andy Ruiz Jr.

The Mexican-American stunned the world of boxing when he stopped Joshua at Madison Square Garden in the seventh round in 2019 to be named a world champion across three belts.

However, Ruiz Jr has fought just four times since then which included a rematch with Joshua, who reclaimed his belts on a points victory six months later.

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The 36-year-old beat Chris Arreola in May 2021 before beating Luis Ortiz the following year.

He then fought to a draw against Jarred Miller after an almost two-year break in August 2024.

However, Ruiz is now eyeing a return to the ring following a reunion with former trainer Manny Robles, who guided him to victory over AJ.

Usyk, 38, is among the names he is targeting next.

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He told Covers: “I feel everybody’s just trying to get Usyk.

“Usyk is the one with the belts.

“Usyk is the one with the name.

“And Usyk is the money man.

“So I think that’s a good fight that I’d be interested in as well.”

And messages he revealed he had been sent on social media left him genuinely hopeful of the fight happening.

He continued: “A few weeks ago, I was messaging Usyk. I guess he sent me a message or something.

“I was like, ‘Hey, much love, brother. I would love to get in the ring with you.’ And then he was like, ‘In God’s timing, we will do it. We will run it up.’