I think it's usually the management teams who control this stuff. Not the fighters. The fighters are pro athletes who almost by definition have a lots of confidence and want a chance to prove themselves against top competitors. For the management team, it's about protecting and maximizing return on investment. I think it's rarely the fighters themselves.
If i was him I would of sacked my management for refusing a career high pay day and chance to be number 1 unified HW champion. Unlike Wilder who sacks Lou Dibella for even attempting to make the AJ fight.
The biggest cash cow going, has three belts, nobody is scared of him, you'd imagine Deontey would be chomping at the bit to get in the ring with him.
I wish I could rep this twice. Hits all the right points. The loss probably did make him better, and now that we have seen his boxing skills, he probably is the most versatile of the heavies (although I still think Fury can punch when he wants to). However, the aura is gone for good, just like when Douglas beat Tyson 30 years ago. Trade off. If he wants to continue with his career, he will continue on at or near the top. As for those who don't fear him, they ain't been hit yet.
The ref basically stopped the fight because AJ backed up all the way to the corner and wanted no mas, it was obvious he quit .
Right?! But Ruiz is no slouch. Sure he Looks like a fat pud, but his hands are blinding fast! anybody with fast hand like Ruiz will give AJ fits provided they can cut him off.