Former unified heavyweight champion Andy Ruiz Jr. has acknowledged Chase DeMoor’s challenge, viewing a potential crossover boxing match as both “easy money” and a strategic move to regain public attention. DeMoor gained significant recognition for his victory against controversial influencer Andrew Tate.
Andy Ruiz Accepts ‘Easy Money’ Match with Chase DeMoor
Hailing from Imperial, California, Mexican-American heavyweight Andy “The Destroyer” Ruiz rose to prominence with his shocking upset victory over Anthony Joshua in June 2019 at Madison Square Garden. Entering the fight as a late substitute and significant underdog, Ruiz knocked Joshua down four times, securing a seventh-round stoppage. This triumph earned him the unified WBA, IBF, WBO, and IBO heavyweight titles, making him the first boxer of Mexican heritage to achieve this feat.
Chase DeMoor carved a different path to fame, initially gaining followers through American football and reality television. He later capitalized on the influencer boxing trend. After playing college football at Central Washington, DeMoor appeared on Netflix’s “Too Hot To Handle” in 2021 and other reality dating shows. He then transitioned to Misfits Boxing, claiming the promotion’s heavyweight title in November 2024.
When questioned about the rumored bout with the Misfits champion, Ruiz acknowledged DeMoor’s public challenge and expressed his willingness to fight under suitable conditions.
“He called me out a few months ago. Let’s make it happen, that’s easy money; make me an offer, and we can do it. I’ll even come to your house. I congratulated him on beating Andrew Tate. However, if I defeat him, will people truly be satisfied or consider it a significant fight? Probably not. But I see it as a good comeback opportunity. It’s easy money, enough to buy another house.”
While Ruiz respects DeMoor’s recent win against Andrew Tate and the growing popularity of Misfits Boxing, he acknowledges that traditional boxing fans might not consider a win over an influencer champion as impactful as defeating a top-ten contender. Nevertheless, he sees DeMoor as a profitable and low-risk opportunity to connect with a younger audience and secure a substantial payday.
The Oblivion Sparring Clip and Influencer Boxing
Ruiz’s perspective on the influencer boxing phenomenon has been influenced by a viral sparring video featuring streamer and influencer boxer Oblivion. In the widely circulated session, streamed on Kick, Ruiz playfully dominated his smaller opponent, eventually flooring him with a precise uppercut. Oblivion was seen on the canvas, later reporting a temporary blackout and jaw discomfort.
“I found that whole situation quite amusing. His sparring session, coming here to observe my drills and routine – I think it’s a fun way to introduce people to who Andy Ruiz is. I’ve felt like Patrick Star, stuck under a rock, with people unaware of what I’ve been doing or my true personality. So, his visit and our ‘skit’ were beneficial for that. Influencer boxing doesn’t bother me; if they want to step in and fight, I think it’s perfectly fine.”
Ruiz is amenable to fighting influencers, recognizing the value of their broad audience reach and expressing no apprehension about the trend. For DeMoor, a bout with Ruiz represents a formidable challenge and a chance to gain credibility, while for Ruiz, it signifies a high-reward crossover opportunity he believes will be “easy money.”
