Andy Ruiz Jr is set to make his comeback against a popular British heavyweight, who hopes to experience a “fairytale ending” in his last roll of the dice.

The former unified world champion ended a two-year layoff last month, entering his first outing since boxing to a contentious draw against Jarrell Miller.

Prior to that, Ruiz had amassed just two wins since his 2019 defeat to Anthony Joshua, who he dethroned with a stunning seventh-round finish earlier that year.

Inactivity was therefore a concern ahead of his latest outing, against Damian Knyba, who won a clear unanimous decision after flooring his man in round seven.

Suffice to say, it was hardly an ideal debut with Matchroom Boxing but, even so, Ruiz is expected to extend his relationship with Eddie Hearn’s promotional outfit.

And next on the agenda, it seems, is a clash with fan-favourite Dave Allen, who comes off a bizarre no-contest against Thomas Carty last month.

Speaking with The Fight Wire, the 34-year-old Allen admitted this next fight could be his last dance, but fully expects it to be against Ruiz.

“My contract’s actually ran out with Matchroom, so I spoke to [CEO] Frank Smith [on Friday] and he said: ‘Look, get in good shape. We’ll go back to Sheffield Arena in March [or] April [and put you in] with Andy Ruiz.

“The best Ruiz would beat the best me, but you never know [what will happen] on that one night, do you? He might be finished and it might be a fairytale ending for me.”

Prior to his last outing, Allen claimed two four-round points victories against journeymen after suffering a third-round stoppage defeat to Filip Hrgovic in May.