Andy Ruiz has never been knocked out but AJ should be extra motivated to make a statement after Wilder's impressive performance. How long does the fight last?
If Ruiz comes in Hungry and really wants it, he could last maybe 7 rounds before he gets picked apart by the superior Joshua
I'm thinking middle rounds too although I thought Wilder was going to KO DB in the middle rounds as well haha
Interesting comment. If that happened, AJ's stock would considerably go down. I think he's full aware he needs to make a big statement especially considering it's his USA debut
Yeah it would really be something. I think if Joshua beats Ruiz(Which is likely if not guaranteed if I'm being realistic) he needs to call up Fury first and try to get the fight with him to make some real big dough. He should fight Fury first because I got a bad feelin about Wilder. I don't think Joshua will be able to get away from that right hand for the full 12. I tell you what....for a fighter who is as obviously unskilled as Wilder is...he sure is a ****ing handful.
Depends on how good Andy Ruiz's chin really is. Only good opponent he's fought is Parker who isn't a huge puncher more a solid one at best. If Ruiz is durable then he could go 6-8 rounds as Joshua gradually breaks him down. But if he doesn't have a good chin it could be an early blow out. I don't expect it to be a first round KO, Joshua usually takes a round to have a look at his opponent.
Like Holler I think Fury is the bigger test for Joshua. I can't help but recall how Savon danced around him and made him look very beatable at the Olympics, add several inches and height and reach and I see Fury giving Joshua huge problems with his movement. Joshua isn't great at cutting off the ring hence why Takam lasted as long as he did by simply moving and Parker went the distance. So a big agile, mobile fighter like Fury I could see really frustrating Joshua. Wilder I always thought was a more dangerous opponent for Fury than Joshua as Wilder has that ability to be unconventional and jump on guys with his greater speed and reach and land a bomb out of nowhere like we saw in their fight. Joshua I think finds Wilder easier than Fury. Wilder is easier to get too and I see Joshua's left hook counter being a dangerous counter to Wilder's right hand. I also feel Joshua's heavier and superior jab will give Wilder real problems much like Washington's did.
Countering the right hand with a left hook is a recognised shot but it's risky. It requires perfect timing. Groves was poleaxed by Froch in their 2nd fight, trying the same manoeuvre. I don't think AJ will be working on it in training if they meet. He does throw left hooks but he tends to lead with that rather than use it as a counter shot. That would be very dangerous against Wilder, almost playing into his hands. As you say work behind the jab and play a safety first strategy would be my game plan. Wilder cannot beat, a safety first, Joshua at boxing for 12 rounds but he can land a right hand on a risk taking AJ.
