Joseph Parker vs Andy Ruiz Jr Set For WBO World Title Fight

Joseph Parker vs Andy Ruiz Jr Set – The World Boxing Organization’s 29th annual convention is in full swing this week in Puerto Rico, and today the news is coming from the island that the WBO has sanctioned a fight between New Zealand’s Joseph Parker and American Andy Ruiz Jr for the sanctioning body’s vacant world title. The fight is set for December 10th and will take place in Parker’s home country.

Last week, the WBO world champion was Tyson Fury, but the big Brit famously vacated the WBO belt along with a slew of other titles as he looks to overcome personal problems. The actions by Fury set off a tidal wave of activity in the heavyweight division, including putting a monkey wrench in a proposed Parker vs IBF world titleholder Anthony Joshua showdown slated for England.

Reports are that the deal between Ruiz Jr and Parker had already been set, leaving the WBO’s word on sanctioning as the only stumbling block. The WBO’s official sanctioning was officially issued today.

Joseph Parker vs Andy Ruiz Jr Set

Ruiz Jr is 29-0 with 19 KOs and at 27 years old, he has been the top heavyweight prospect in Top Rank’s stable for several years. Ruiz ended 2015 on a sour note, pulling out of a December fight amid rumors of problems with motivation. Nevertheless Ruiz returned in May of this year and he has logged three fights in 2016.

As for Parker, the 24 year old has run his record to 21-0 with 18 KOs and he is considered one of the hottest prospects in the heavyweight division. Parker is also the #1 IBF contender for Anthony Joshua’s world heavyweight title. His name was linked to a bout with Joshua later this year before Joshua and his management decided to pursue a match with Wladimir Klitschko.

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Photo and contribution: Marcelino Castillo (CDB.tv)