Andy Ruiz Jr says Tyson Fury’s next on his hit-list, after the British heavyweight took part in a public workout session wearing a Mexican headband and wrestling mask while promoting his weekend fight.
‘The Gypsy King’ was slammed by Ruiz, the first boxer of Mexican heritage to become a world heavyweight champion, for his mock representation of his home country.
The 30-year-old, who defends his WBO, WBA, IBF and IBO belts against Joshua in December, said: “Tyson Fury’s next. Tyson Fury’s talking s***, he’s representing Mexico - he’s not even Mexican, what kind of s*** is that?
“A British f******, he ain’t even Mexican, wearing the f****** Mexican flag, messed up man.
“Stay in your lane, represent your country, Tyson Fury represent your country, represent what you represent. He just needs to stay in his lane - represent where he’s from, shouldn’t be representing another country that he’s not even a little close of."
It’s not the first time Fury’s turned up pre-fight adorning wacky attire. In the build-up to his showdown with Wladimir Klitschko, the unbeaten heavyweight arrived to a press conference dressed as Batman, before rolling around on the floor with a man dressed as the Caped Crusader’s nemesis, The Joker - all while Klitschko looked on in stunned silence.
In his last outing, the Wythenshawe-born fighter paid homage to silver-screen boxing classic Rocky 4 by donning a Stars and Stripes top hat and costume as he made his way to the ring, all to the tune of James Brown’s ‘Living In America’ - a tribute to one of the film series’ most popular characters, Apollo Creed.
Fury fights again this weekend in Las Vegas when he takes on the unheralded Swedish heavyweight, Otto Wallin - ranked 4th in the world by the WBA and 12th by the IBF, drawing criticism from many, including Eddie Hearn.
Hearn told IFL TV: “Look at Fury’s fight this Saturday. No one even knows he’s fighting. ESPN and Bob Arum are having an absolute stinker because this fight is non-existent. Non-existent."
The Matchroom Sports boss added: “There will be no one in the arena, other than complimentary tickets.
"I mean, Fury’s a genius because he’s done this big deal where he’s just having all these easy fights.
“But his profile is going like that [downhill] because no one even knows he’s fighting. After beating Tom Schwarz last time out, Fury now fights Otto Wallin.”
Tyson Fury has sacrificed blood, sweat and tears to get back into this shape 💪 #FuryWallin
