Let's clear this up. I'm a Brit, so support AJ (but not an AJ fanboy). He obviously didn't quit (ignore the angry haters who have nothing better to do). He wanted to continue, but was clearly dazed and tired. He responded verbally, but maybe not physically. For me it's a 50/50. I would have leaned towards giving him the chance to continue, maybe hold on for a while and recoup - because I think he was physically tired more than hurt. But the refs stoppage was understandable and I wouldn't argue it strongly. AJ at least had the class to say he wouldn't argue with the ref's decision and would take the loss like a man. With all that said, I really do think he has problem with stamina and recuperation. The chin is ok / average (this is heavyweight boxing, and he got up quickly from an absolute monster of a right hand from Wlad).
for all the people who can't accept it ..especially you aydamn andy ruiz jr is YOUR NEW heavyweight champion of the world ..that man is YOUR champion bahahahaha
In the discussions about the stoppage - I understand some think it controversial = MY opinion based on these observable facts - AJ was down for the 4th time in the fight and that for a 7-8 count (therefore not a slip or a flash KD a real one) and when he rose he did not face the ref he walked to his corner, he never recovered or sought to recover his mouthpiece, he never raised his hands to the ready position and he never responded other than verbally to the ref's questions or instructions and was still leaning on the ropes (IMHO to hide his shaky legs) and not approaching ring center as he did in the first knockdown that round. Time away from engagement was absolutely out of bounds (Down @ 1:58 - Fight not stopped until 1:33) 24-25 seconds of rest and recovery with no mouthpiece no hands up no forward movement - (talk about along count!) A ref HAS to stop the fight at that point! Any man who gets up 4 times has plenty of heart, I give AJ props for that but in these situations if you can't reengage shortly after the 8 count you must not be allowed 25-30 second DURING the round to recover and continue. Yes, I think he wanted to keep going and his body just couldn't - good stoppage...
The ref should have made him come out of that corner. That's what they did in the old days, ****ing pulled them out and made them fight. There is way too much tolerance of this pansy-ass **** in boxing. ****ing fight!
Which is why he stopped the fight. I can’t veoieve any moron would protest the stoppage. Joshua either quit or he was so out of it, he could simply walk towards the ref and laid back in the corner with the pillar and ropes
try not to post pics of that ugly ruiz please. the fight should have been stopped before it started IMHO.
In questions like these ask yourself what would have happened if the fight had been allowed to continue. Joshua looked completely spent and had already been down twice in that round. Would he really have lasted the rest of the round, miraculously recovered in the corner and come out all guns blazing in the eighth? Highly unlikely. The ref could see that and prevented any unnecessary damage. Most "Brits" and Joshua fans in particular seem to accept this, so I'm not sure why it's still such a thing.
I don't think it's fair to say Joshua quit because he did get up 4 times. .... but he did kind of quit, didn't he ? Like I said before, he wanted to continue but wanted a few more minutes to get his breath back. Reminded me of Charlie Zelenoff.
How so? Every fighter thats been willing to continue has always stepped forward towards the ref to show they were ready. AJ just hung around the ropes looking dazed as hell, the ref knew what to look for and stopped the fight.
can´t really compare Zelenoff with AJ. Z-Money took a flush shot from Wilder and was not even stunned, AJ woulda been out cold with rigor mortis setting in. Levels exist in boxing and Z is some notches above AJ.