All the people saying it’s parrying can’t realising what the OP is pointing out. Throwing a hook at someone’s arm when it’s fully extended measuring the distance is not parrying. I noticed it during the fight and thought it was interesting.
Excellent tactic by Ruiz and one of the few times in recent memory I've seen it employed. Kinda like when facing someone who employs the shoulder roll defense and punching the lead hand when tucked down to protect the body and wear it down, but as you said, this is far more unique. Great observation.
usually agree with you but this time i think its a terrible tactic. i dont even think its something anybody really works on. not the way ruiz was using it. the punch had no real effect, nor was it thrown with any intention. a punch like that is a freebie. its a perfect set up to get countered. the guy sees you slow hook at his forearm, hes going to put it out there and drop his right on you as soon as you bend that hook to throw it, and your head will be unprotected. aj is just not schooled well enough to work that out on the fly.
I think Ruiz knows what hes doing and it upsets the jabbers rhythm. Though it is a parry but it throws the jabber off. Also, it takes some coordination and hand/eye control to do it. I bet AJ was like wtf too?
Everything you said is 100% true, but I think Ruiz has essentially developed his own hybrid type of offensive parrying. But you're right, AJ had openings all night. Whatever the case,Ruiz is great for boxing, great and tough dude, fast hands, power, chin, heart, skills. Excited to see his career unfold.