Tyson Fury (35-2-1, 24 KOs) has confirmed that talks with Andy Ruiz Jr. (35-2-1, 22 KOs) over a stay-busy fight have collapsed due to financial demands, with negotiations now shifting toward unbeaten Albanian heavyweight Nelson Hysa (24-0, 22 KOs) among other options.
Fury, who is targeting an August 1 warm-up fight in Dublin, before facing Anthony Joshua (27-4, 24 KOs) by years’ end, was blunt in his assessment of why the Ruiz discussions broke down.
“Andrew has been contacted, yeah. As a warm-up fight because that’s all he is. But they asked for ridiculous numbers, like numbers that they can’t generate. This is not a stadium show. It’s just initially a keep-busy fight, back in the ring action job. So yeah, Andy Ruiz priced himself out,” Fury
The former unified heavyweight champion was not the only name whose asking price exceeded expectations. Hysa has now emerged as one of the leading candidates to fill the slot.
“Nelson’s been one of the names that’s been talked about. He’s highly ranked, undefeated guy, knockout artist. He’s been one of the guys that’s been spoke of,” Fury said