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DEONTAY WILDER is reportedly being lined up to fight Andy Ruiz Jr this year.

The two heavyweight boxers are coming back from devastating world title defeats, and both under Al Haymon's Premier Boxing Champions stable.

Deontay Wilder is looking like he will fight Andy Ruiz Jr this year
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Deontay Wilder is looking like he will fight Andy Ruiz Jr this yearCredit: Instagram / @bronzebomber
Andy Ruiz Jr is looking in much better shape than the last time we saw him box
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Andy Ruiz Jr is looking in much better shape than the last time we saw him boxCredit: Instagram @andy_destroyer13

Ruiz Jr shocked the world when he battered Anthony Joshua in June 2019 to become unified champ.

But six months of partying saw him come in unfit and overweight in the rematch and he was easily outpointed by the Brit.

Wilder drew with Tyson Fury in their first meeting in December 2018.

Their rematch proved one of the most memorable nights in the sport when Fury pummeled the previously undefeated American into a seventh-round stoppage.

And according to a report in March, Wilder and a slimmed-down Ruiz Jr are on the 'road to redemption' and a blockbuster fight 'in late 2021'.

First up for Ruiz Jr, however, returns against Chris Arreola on Saturday.

Arreola was knocked out by ex-WBC king Wilder in 2016.

The 40-year-old has only fought three times since that defeat, with his current record standing at 38–6–1 with two no-contests.

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Like Ruiz, Arreola has not been seen since December 2019, in a losing effort against Adam Kownacki.

And Wilder has recently returned to training having posted a video hitting the pads with ex-opponent Malik Scott, now his assistant coach.

The 35-year-old, who claimed a heavy ringwalk suit and tampered water led to his defeat to Fury, did have a rematch clause.

But the Gypsy King's team insist that has expired. And while Wilder is still pursuing that case, he might have to tread a different path for now.

Fury is of course in talks for an undisputed clash against fellow Brit and WBA, WBO and IBF champ Joshua.

Ruiz Jr was out of shape and outpointed by Joshua in December 2019
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Ruiz Jr was out of shape and outpointed by Joshua in December 2019Credit: Getty Images - Getty
Wilder was sent crashing to his first ever defeat by Fury in February 2020
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Wilder was sent crashing to his first ever defeat by Fury in February 2020Credit: Reuters
Tyson Fury admits he ‘feels sorry’ for Deontay Wilder after Bronze Bomber’s bizarre rematch excuses
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