Andy Ruiz not likely to follow Tyson Fury's WWE lead anytime soon

Maybe Andy Ruiz Jr. isn’t a multitasker. Or maybe he just isn’t interested in scripted take downs. Or maybe he wanted to devote all of his time and energy to getting ready for his heavyweight title rematch against Anthony Joshua on December 7 in Saudi Arabia.

Whatever his reasons, Ruiz decided not to do what Tyson Fury is doing.

Ruiz, who took three of the belts from Joshua in a historical stunner on June 1 in New York, turned down an invitation from the World Wrestling Entertainment, according to a story in the Daily Mail.

“They invited me to go a while back when I won the title, they invited be to go over there and check it out,’’ Ruiz told the London newspaper.

Ruiz, the first fighter of Mexican descent to win a heavyweight title, said his upbringing has always been only about boxing. Boxing is his identity.

“You know what, boxing is my life so this is the only thing I know how to do besides being with my family,” he said. “I’m going to stick to boxing and accomplish more and maybe down the line we’ll look for something else to do.”

WWE wrestler Braun Strowman (left) and heavyweight boxer Tyson Fury face off during the announcement of their match. Photo by Ethan Miller / Getty Images

Fury, on the other hand, has jumped headlong onto the WWE stage. He’ll be under the big-top on Halloween against Braun Strowman in Saudi Arabia.

There might be some marketing value in the publicity generated by Fury’s WWE appearances, but it has a lot of people in boxing nervous about the risk it poses to plans for a February 22 rematch with Deontay Wilder. The WWE is scripted. But no script can eliminate incidental contact.

A rupture to healing cuts above and on Fury’s right eye from a bloody victory over Otto Wallin could delay the projected rematch.

Fury understands the circus. An Irish Traveller, he comes from a long line of bare-knuckled boxers who were part the traveling circus in the U.K. He jumped at the chance – and the money – to perform in the pro wrestling ring. It’s in his blood, some of which was spilled against Wallin on September 14.

For now, Ruiz’s blood will stay in the boxing ring.