I never thought I'd say this. But at least with where both are at currently I'd back Wilder to knockout AJ.
Great video, and you hit it right on the head, Rummy. Joshua is nothing but heart and determination. His problem is that he has terrible instincts and fights when he should be boxing, and boxes when he should be fighting. It's heard to put lipstick on this pig, but the heart, punch and athleticism are still there, and it is entirely possible that this Prenga fellow can hit. On to Joshua-Fury! POST SCRIPT: "Wilder won his arbitration case..." Better than any victory he ever had in the ring.
Ah you always release these when I'm busy with work... looking forward to watching this when I get home
Fury and AJ should face each other next and then retire. I don't think either of them are making a title run at this point.
Nice video and nice analysis of Rummy. I must note that Prenga used a similar move as Lewis against Grant. First, he "set up" AJ's head from behind, and then delivered an uppercut.
He doesn't have heart and determination by boxer standards, that's a myth. It was exposed in the Ruiz fight. What happened here is simply trying to avoid the extreme humiliation of being stopped by a tune-up opponent in prep for 'destiny'. Anyone would desperately try to avoid that.
I still remember when they questioned Emanuel about that in the post fight, and he exclaimed something to the effect, "Well what was his head doig down there in the first place?"
With all due respect, I think you're being a little harsh. Sometimes things go wrong. That's why they call it a fight. The thing for me is, AJ had as bad an opening round as possible, but he kept his composure and battled back to win. I stand by what I said - he does have a great abundance of heart and determination. I've been critical of AJ over the years, but you don't get up from all of those knockdowns and attempt to battle back without ample heart and courage.
I wish AJ would retire. Not because I don't like the guy, but because he's clearly no shape to keep going. Nothing wrong with it, Father Time is undefeated.
I still give him a decent chance against Fury, and even if he loses, it may be difficult to turn that type of payday down at this stage.
Rummy your points are all well taken. But I see declined speed from AJ, & the same problems with his defense & how & when to attack. I know at HW anything can happen, but he did not seem to have the technique nor pure speed & explosiveness to make the first round KDs happen against a top boxer. Also I do not like Joshua's constant laughter; after he dispatched Prenga it just seemed Cruel. Unsportsmanlike, maybe a lesser version of his awfulhighjacking of the mic & wondering how Usyk beat him after their second match.
I have a feeling that was more forced confidence, but because it was coming directly from AJ without a script it just looked cringe.