The bright lights of the championship are distracting, everyone wants to share in the glow, everyone wants a piece of you, new ‘best friends’ and hangers on abound. And I’m not sure self discipline is Ruiz’s best attribute… You could see it with Rahman, he was showing up everywhere, while Lewis quietly trained. I’m not saying Lewis doesn’t win the rematch regardless but, you could tell Rahman lost his focus. And Rahman becomes a footnote in the career of an ATG. So what if Ruiz shows up unfocused or out of shape (I’m not sure what that looks like for Ruiz), and gets ko’d, will AJ become the champion on the way to greatness many fans thought he looked to be before? Or will his status still be suspect and take a serious amount of work to repair? And does Ruiz become a footnote? Albeit he is a far more skilled boxer than Rahman but then again so was Buster Douglas, another footnote...opinions?
You can just tell, Ruiz isn't about all that BS, he's a very focused and determined guy. And most importantly, he's not stupid. He'll show up laser focused, and even more confident in the rematch, and do the same thing he did the firs time around.
That wasn't a Hasim Rahman Ruiz took about 5 bombs that would knock out any ordinary man at HW. That chin is pure iron. If AJ trades with Ruiz, Ruiz will ALWAYS come out on top. AJ has to win it long, in a pure boxing match. His gas tank will fail him and Ruiz will work his way inside slowly but surely in the rematch and knock that bodybuilder out AGAIN. STYLES MAKE FIGHTS 12 round fight AJ loses 2 rounds of gas on the ring walk alone and another round from his heart blowing out of his chest from fear. He'll lose another 2 rounds of gas from his passive worthless headmovement and wasted punches. So basically by mid fight Ruiz should be looking to put it on him, if he hasn't found an opening by then. AJ going to have to dig deep late. Ruiz is coming for him. AJ HAS NEVER NEVER EVER BEEN A MOVER. AMATUER TO PRO. Every fight he's ever had he has ended up at some point having a trade war. I cannot see him keep away from Ruiz, He will fight when he tires and Ruiz will FLATTEN HIM. MY ACCOUNT ON IT. AJ has never faced a man who has taken his punches like that, AJ should be bricking it. I think in Eddie has just ruined his career in the span of 6 months unbelievable really.
You’re probably right but, you never know how a young guy is going to react to tens of millions of $ in the bank. He seems to shine when the bright lights are on so I’m hoping he keeps his focus when they’re off. I appreciate your input.
If Ruiz has earn't his money and has lost his ambition, then it's AJ all day. But I see Ruiz up for this, and it's a 50/50
I don’t have any argument over styles and specifically the differences between Ruiz and Rahman, you make excellent points. Everything I read and heard prior to the AJ fight though was that his dedication was suspect. I’ve been watching for him, thinking I may be crazy at times, ever since the Parker fight, I’m a fan. I wasn’t sure about the power but the handspeed and skills impressed me a lot. But I’ve liked a number of guys over the years whose dedication proved me wrong. So I’m glad to hear others think his dedication and focus will only increase with his well earned titles. Win or lose, I’m hoping we always see him at his best. Thank you for your input.
That’s my worry too so I’m hoping you’re right about being up for this. I honestly don’t have any tangible insight to know, just a gut feeling. But my gut messes with me when I know I want it to be a certain way. If they both show up at their best, I think it’s 60-40 Ruiz but, I really couldn’t argue with 50-50.
Was it Ruiz one win out of ten against AJ. Millionaire. Job done.. If he looses the re match he has probably banked £!5m , over 2 fights. For me, it's a pick em. I think Ruiz has hunger.
Its definitely a fair comparison...but like others have said, Ruiz seems like a humble guy and he wont get sucked into all the BS Can't wait for the rematch. Can't remember the last time I was looking forward to a fight as much as this one.
Ruiz is maybe better than Rahman although that was a tremendous shot he put Lewis away with and definitely a big shock at the time, that said I was fairly sure Lewis would win the return once he made the adjustments. I don't get that feeling about this rematch. Ruiz knows he can hurt Joshua, upstairs and downstairs, has the tools and the speed advantage. Took his best shots and was still standing. Rahman never had to take Lewis's best punches in that first fight, was up against a guy that was on vacation and wanting his next beer and burger.
AJ has to stay on the outside and outbox Ruiz for 12 rounds. If the KO opportunity comes proceed with caution and stay patient. If this fight starts turning into a street fight its over for AJ.
You may be right but, it’s my sense, AJ would be wise to jump on him and lay him out iearly if he can. Ruiz can box and has the stamina to stay in there and take him apart. AJ has the power to take anyone out, he should make him feel it. He would also be fresh and much more able to take what’s coming back at him. Just my sense though.
