All I can say is I told you so As soon as the rematch was announced by Hearn. I said that the power move for Ruiz is to insist on the rematch in the USA or Mexico; he would be hanging himself out to dry to the judges and referee by coming to the UK. Playing hardball is the power move by Ruiz. It is a power move before the rematch even happens, and gives him the advantage in terms of location Many said that Hearn had it in the contract, that the fight had to be in the UK. This clearly isnt the case.
I like Ruiz but Joshua gave him the shot, in US which is practically Ruiz backyard. That said I don’t see how location is relevant unless you bought the judges and refs.
Joshua gon have to do it without home help Hell you know what on the microscopic chance he pulls it off I'll give him some respect how's that
You seem to be an expert on this contract. Do you mind posting a complete copy of it for us so we can discuss this properly.
Joshua had the opportunity of a lifetime to make a statement in the USA too, so it's not all one-sided. Ruiz stepped in when everyone else let them down. Maybe Ruiz feels he was robbed in New Zealand and suspects UK will be even worse because he knows what Joshua's worth to his UK investors. I see no good reason why Joshua (or his fans) would be desperate to secure home advantage. In fact I'd expect him and his fans to prefer him to erase all doubts by attempting to regain the title in America and making the statement he was supposed to make in June. After all the stories of him choking in New York or whatever, it would be a bit lame to do the fight in UK unless money really dictates that.
I'm not saying it HAS to be in the UK, I'm saying I think Ruiz is a bit entitled to start ruling stuff out all things considered. As for talking bias, Americans are throwing stones from the glassiest of houses.
I don't see any problems here, Joshua said wants it in NY and so does Ruiz. It will be in Madison Garden again whether the Hurnsesses like it or not.
Yes, but Ruiz is just saying that. There's no concrete information about what the real desires of any of the main players are, no real info on the negotiations or the demands of any of them.
The above quote is that he won't fight in the UK as he's now the 'A-side'. I think for him to dismiss it out of hand considering what was given to him is a bit much.
Another reason why so many of us old dogs called Ali the greatest. Ali chased glory & the money followed. Can anyone remember when Ali, Frazier, Foreman, Holmes, Norton got caught up in $ and venues?I'm about to do a 180 and route against Ruiz. A-side my patooty! He has the chance to squash that foolishness, now he wants to be then next great negotiator? Damn glad I got to see the Road Warrior reel time fight whoever, whenever, RJJ, Tarver, Dawson...Road warriror for a reason. Glad I got to see Pac the rookie fight on short notice, never haglled on saying JMM had to come to his homeland, glad l got to see JCC fight in Mexico, USA, wheverver, whenever. May Ruiz get KTFO'd. Please AJ beat the snickers out his fat ass.
I wouldn't take a chance on fighting the rematch in the UK either. Ruiz is the champ now. So his side calls the shots.
So basically it's just a question of will Joshua end up in the New York Hospital or Cardiff Royal Infirmary.