Tyson Fury manager names Andy Ruiz Jr and Anthony Joshua rival on warm-up fight shortlist

May 22, 2026 - 17:30
Tyson Fury manager names Andy Ruiz Jr and Anthony Joshua rival on warm-up fight shortlist

Andy Ruiz Jr has been listed as a shock potential opponent for Tyson Fury’s warm-up fight.

Fury is eyeing a return in August before his potential blockbuster clash with Anthony Joshua.

Tyson Fury talking after his victory over Arslanbek MakhmudovGetty
Fury wants a big warm-up fight[/caption]

Joshua will take on what is believed to be limited opposition in Kristian Prenga in July to simply tune up.

But after Fury beat Arslanbek Makhmudov in April, there has been much debate as to the calibre of opposition Fury could face.

Although the Gypsy King’s manager Spencer Brown has indicated the likes of Ruiz and even Jarrell Miller could be in the mix.

He told Seconds Out: “Andy Ruiz has mentioned.

“I know Andy really well, I am going to chat with Andy and his team when they arrive here.

“Whether Andy can get ready by then or not is the question, I’d love to see Andy back he has a lot to offer.

“I tell you who was mentioned Jarrell Miller. Tyson wants to fight him, bring Jarrell on.

“We could have done the deal very quickly, I think Jarrell is touring at the moment.

“We will get somebody, it won’t be a big sausage, it will be a well touted opponent.”

Miller and Ruiz Jr could provide more risk than necessary to act as a warm-up for Joshua.

Ruiz is one of the names in contention to face Fury
Mark Robinson / Matchroom Boxing

Particularly Ruiz Jr who famously knocked out Anthony Joshua on short notice in 2019, and could pose a real threat.

Fury – warm-up fight is a big risk

For Fury, he would be once again risking a derailing of his long-awaited clash with Joshua.

An agreement has finally been signed for a huge Netflix bout but can only take place if the pair get back to winning ways.

And the Morecambe technician admits it could be a difficult task and a risk, which he believes will pay off.

He explained: “We haven’t got an opponent yet. But again, it’s never about the opponent.

“It’s just about me versus me always. So, whoever the opponent is, if it’s Joe Blogs or if it’s Mike Tyson, it’s all important to me.

Boxing schedule

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

“It’s just the run out for me. Like, just to get sharper for the big one.

“Listen, I might get knocked out my next fight in August. So then it’s all over it. So I got to take one fight at a time, and they’re all deadly serious fights.”

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