Does AJ become a big star in the States if he had beaten Ruiz at Madison Square Garden?

Discussion in 'World Boxing Forum' started by MixedMartialLaw, May 3, 2026.


  1. MixedMartialLaw

    MixedMartialLaw Combat sports enthusiast Full Member

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    That was supposed to be his big coming-out event for the U.S. market. Honestly, AJ at that point seemed to have everything that would sell as a marketable athlete in the U.S. He had the look and physique Americans expect high-level athletes to have, and he had that sometimes too-cool attitude a lot of American athletes carry as well.

    He could have been the most marketable British athlete since Lennox Lewis or Beckham. What could have been if he had just beaten the Mexican fella with the eating disorder.
     
    MixedMartialLaw, May 3, 2026
    MixedMartialLaw, May 3, 2026
    #1
  2. PopPellegrino

    PopPellegrino Active Member Full Member

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    If Anthony Joshua beat Ruiz, he would be the biggest name in boxing.
     
    PopPellegrino, May 3, 2026
    PopPellegrino, May 3, 2026
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  3. JackSilver

    JackSilver Boxing Addict Full Member

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    Nah. Ruiz was a late substitute nobody who only got his shot because Miller was busted for drugs. Would have been seen as just a routine win for Joshua had he won an he wouldn't have got much credit for it. No, at that time only a unification an win against wilder would have led to becoming a star in the States
     
    JackSilver, May 3, 2026
    JackSilver, May 3, 2026
    #3
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  4. fencik45

    fencik45 Boxing Addict Full Member

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    A Wilder fight would have been an easy ko win for Joshua. Wouldn't have made him a big star in America though, since almost no one has ever heard or Wilder here. Boxing is about as popular as bowling here.
     
    fencik45, May 3, 2026
    fencik45, May 3, 2026
    #4
  5. willcross

    willcross Well-Known Member Full Member

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    I don't think so. The vast majority of people watch the fight in their living room on television. They don't pay attention to where the fight is taking place. It makes no difference to the average fan if Andy flies to London or if AJ flies to NYC.
     
    willcross, May 3, 2026
    willcross, May 3, 2026
    #5
  6. Redbeard7

    Redbeard7 Boxing Addict banned Full Member

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    Joshua got stopped by tubby taco and blown out by a crayon eater, Wilder would have killed him.
     
    Redbeard7, May 3, 2026
    Redbeard7, May 3, 2026
    #6
  7. MixedMartialLaw

    MixedMartialLaw Combat sports enthusiast Full Member

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    It would have been a 50/50 fight then and still is now, even with hindsight. Wilder is a more limited fighter than AJ.
     
    MixedMartialLaw, May 3, 2026
    MixedMartialLaw, May 3, 2026
    #7
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  8. Csonnyliston

    Csonnyliston Undefeated P4P King of online arguments! Full Member

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    It was a joke fight, he would have gone on the fight Pulev, which was also a joke fight. Definitely not a household name.
     
    Csonnyliston, May 3, 2026
    Csonnyliston, May 3, 2026
    #8
  9. Kiwi Casual

    Kiwi Casual Boxing Addict banned Full Member

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    Yeah have to agree, it's always a case of who lands their money shot first.
     
    Kiwi Casual, May 3, 2026
    Kiwi Casual, May 3, 2026
    #9
    MixedMartialLaw likes this.