Is this rather telling of Joshua's character, and what we may expect in the rematch? Or am I just simply reading too much into this?
It’s these kind of circumstances which make the rematch so interesting, it isn’t all just getting in the ring, there’s more to boxing at the highest level. How’s Ruiz gonna deal with all this fame and will he have the same focus? Will the defeat make AJ hungrier when maybe he wasn’t in the first fight? Both their worlds have changed and now we see how they deal with it....
Ruiz: It's unsurprising after the upset and becoming the first HW Champ in Mexican history that he's doing what he's doing, it's only been a couple of weeks since the fight and the rematch isn't for 5/6 months so Ruiz will have more than enough time to get back into focus - and don't forget that he only had a few weeks for the first AJ fight. The fame and glory could make him hungry to remain in that light, or I guess it could put too much pressure on him - but personally I feel he's a calm and collected character and it's likely we'll see an even better Ruiz in the rematch. AJ: It's great to see that he's right back in training and hopefully he's making the right adjustments to beat Ruiz and improve some of his weaker attributes overall. I like to think that he'll be more hungry than ever and come up with a really calculated game plan, and numerous plan B's, C's etc based on how the fight plays out on the night. With it being a make or break fight for AJ he could either show up confident and determined, and know how to deal with Ruiz... Or, the pressure could get to him after months of build up, overthinking, loss in confidence.. and he loses again!
Depends on what kind of training AJ is doing. If it's gym work then that's not a good sign because it seems he's concluded he just has to work harder physically and every wrong will be righted. If he's working on boxing skills and starting the necessary technical readjustments, then it would be more significant.
Definitely reading too much into it. Before the fight, Ruiz was saying after this fight he's planning to take a month off as he's been in camp for 2 fights in quick succession. I'd only read into it if he's still doing media stuff and not seemingly training by September.
maybe reading too early rather than too much in it unless the rematch is bought forward. doubt that though. ruiz maybe happy with the payday (a little like maidana or stiverne) but im sure he'll jump back to training in a month. Joshua does need to work on that jab and keeping away from the inside fighting. i wouldn't say his 'chin' is bad, he just needs to protect the areas that caused him problems last time. i'd want AJ to spark him this time, can see a parker type performance tho to get the job done.
Reading far too much into this. Joshua is a known gym rat and is never out of shape. I hope it's a sign of a renewed desire and vigour but the rematch is 6 months away and I'm absolutely certain that come fight time, both Ruiz and Joshua will be as well prepared as they can be.
Joshua is taking a little rest and going on holiday according to Adam Smith in a recent interview. How do you know he's in training?
Douglas really got out of shape after beating Tyson so maybe Ruiz is also falling into the trap of letting himself go after getting a big win as an underdog (let's hope not, he's going to need footspeed if he's going to beat Joshua again who will surely try to win a safe "stick and move" decision)
Touring Mexico can do more for your physically as training every day. Them Mexican taco's work miracles.
