Andre Ward should remain on the sidelines. At least, that’s what Andy Ruiz Jr. believes.

After spending the last eight years enjoying the retired life, Ward recently said that if a fight against Anthony Joshua were presented to him, he would grab it with both hands. Joshua, though, has become accustomed to arbitrary call-outs.

For months now, Jake Paul has used his social media platform to goad the former two-time unified heavyweight champion into a fight. It’s unclear which direction Joshua will go, but Ward is hoping he’ll get the call.

Although Ward never competed as a heavyweight, he’s convinced that his credentials should allow him to skip the line. His trophy case is stacked with an Olympic gold medal, world titles and a Hall of Fame ring. Paul, however, isn't anywhere near those accomplishments.

Still, while Ward, who ended his career with back-to-back wins over Sergey Kovalev, seems the much tougher test for Joshua, Ruiz isn’t buying it.

“Probably,” Ruiz told several reporters when asked if Paul would give Joshua a tougher fight than Ward. “Because he’s been active. He’s bigger, he’s taller. He’s a natural heavyweight.”

Paul’s career, which kicked off in 2020, has been all over the place. He’s picked up wins over a former NBA player and ex-MMA fighters, but lost when he came up against professional boxer Tommy Fury. Lately, he’s gone away from that route and fought former champions past their prime.

But even with wins against a nearly 60-year-old Mike Tyson and a Julio Chavez Jr. who’s seen better days, few are giving him a chance if he is matched up with Joshua.

For now, Joshua will look through his options. As for the countless names that continue to call him out, Ruiz doesn’t get it. He's 35 and his fifth-round stoppage loss to Daniel Dubois in September 2024 was a bad moment.

Ruiz, who went 1-1 with Joshua, doesn't think it’s a good idea for fellow heavyweights to keep calling him out.

“Everybody wants to fight Anthony Joshua,” Ruiz said. “They think he’s an easy opponent, but he’s still a dangerous fighter.”