Tyson Fury accused of ‘not picking’ Andy Ruiz for comeback fight as he rues missed chance

Andy Ruiz believes Tyson Fury made a mistake by picking Arslanbek Makhmudov over him for his boxing comeback.

Fury elected to reverse his retirement decision and face Arslanbek Makhmudov in his comeback fight earlier in April.

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The ‘Gypsy King’ outpointed the Russian in a gruelling bout which was tough to show off his style, but it allowed him to burn off any ring rust.

It is expected he will next solely focus his pursuit on a bout with Anthony Joshua which is being targeted for November this year.

But Ruiz is frustrated that he wasn’t the one selected, hinting that Fury turned down official contact.

He told Vegas Insider: “It was crazy because he was supposed to pick me to fight for his return, and he ended up picking the Russian.

 “I think it was a good fight, especially for him coming out from a long time since he has fought.

“But looking at that fight, I’m just like, man, if I was in there, it would’ve been a whole different ball game.

“That’s why that kind of motivated me a lot. And that’s why we’re right here. We’re trying to get in the best shape of my life.”

Perhaps Ruiz Jr would have been too high of a risk for Fury after such an absence.

If the Mexican former unified champion is in shape, he is a dangerous operator.

But he hasn’t fought since falling to a controversial draw with Jarrell Miller in 2024, and could have been a big-name scalp for Fury.

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What is next for Fury?

Fury has a multi-fight deal with Turki Alalshikh, but his pursuit of long-term rival Joshua is the aim.

AJ was ringside for his clash with Makhmudov, but refused a face-off in the ring.

The ‘Gypsy King’ will likely have to wait for Joshua, given the Briton was involved in a nasty car accident.

He is first expected to return in July/August before committing to the clash with the Morecambe native.

And promoter Eddie Hearn believes it will materialise when Joshua is given the all-clear.

He said: “We need to make sure of the timings. The last Saturday of July is 14 weeks away.

Boxing schedule

For all the upcoming fights and results this year, check out talkSPORT.com’s  boxing schedule.

“We need to get that all clear, physically, to return to full-time training, to sparring, which is a different kettle of fish versus getting on a treadmill.

“We believe we’re going to be given the all-clear to do that because AJ feels like he’s ready.

“If we do that, get everything locked up, I’m fully confident that this fight happens.”