Yeah bro same. I hope it’s in December, will be a great way to kick off the Xmas season. Can’t beat it.
Wladimir Klitschko was knocked out THREE times, and came back to be the undisputed champion and undefeated for 10 years. There is a way back for AJ if he loses the rematch, but losses in consecutive fights against the same man is even tougher to overcome. The psychological scars are worse. AJ is capable of coming back and becoming a champion again though. Look at how dominant his defences were until the Ruiz fight.
It’s not hyperbole. Do you expect Joshua to lose and rebuild against the likes of Schwarz or something? What for? The division would’ve likely been unified and the belts will be scattered. He’s won 3 out of the 4. He’s done everything he can. If he can’t beat Ruiz in the rematch then the opportunity to unify is likely gone forever and he’s achieved absolutely everything else. The only other reason to box would be for money but he’s surely got more than enough.
Many, many boxers have continued long after they were already incredibly rich. Ultimately I think people are jumping the gun a bit. All depends on what Joshua wants but if he loses again, and wants to continue, then his career won't be over. He'd drop in profile of course but it really wouldn't take long to build himself back up if he fancied it. I don't really see how a guy who was popular enough to be smashing attendance and viewing records can lose two fights and suddenly be literally unable to have a career. It's there if he wants it. Look at Haye for example. Lost early on, all talk against Klitschko, lost a stinker against him but in the longer term was still selling out the O2 against absolute cannon fodder.
Why would he want a career? You’ve neglected to answer that. He will have already achieved all he can. The risk of anymore losses after another Ruiz loss will taint his legacy.
You don't think his legacy will be irrevocably tainted if he lost two fights and that was it? He'd be seen long term as a very short lived phenomenon who was unprecedentedly popular in Britain but at the first point of difficulty walked away. Of course he'd always be a wealthy man and a world champion, but that's it. So why would he want a career? Probably because even if he loses again it's only three fights in twelve months to get the rebuilding job back on track. He may not want it of course, and he doesn't need it financially, but he's in an odd position. He's not a David Price who lost when he stepped up. He still beat an excellent list of opponents without that much bother. If he thinks that fighter is now totally gone, then he may just quit. If not, why not try and rebuild? Fight some Hammer type or even Dave Allen on an undercard. Someone in the Molina/Martin bracket. Maybe even look domestic; you're not telling me even with two losses on his belt that Joshua v Hughie or Dubois doesn't create interest? And after that he may very well be back at world level. Yes, losing to any of those shells his legacy even more, but everyone takes that risk. What if Fury loses to Wallin for example?
If the rematch isn't confirmed and announced within the next 4-6 weeks it's not going to happen. My view all along has been that AJ won't be back until December 2020.
How exactly? All I see is someone who took his opportunity, boosted his profile and is canny enough to push hard for the rematch to be somewhere that doesn't give AJ any unnecessary advantages.
Totally agree. He’s current world champ but the attitude from a few is that he’s just minding them for Joshua and he’s getting to big for his boots (Apt phrase). I like Ruiz, seems a lovely fella and excellent fighter.
Yep - I don't blame him or his team if they're dragging their heels over the location. He's working with Al Haymon who knows the business inside out and won't let Matchroom or Joshua get any sort of advantage. I think people believe Ruiz is getting a bit too big for his boots because they notice him more on social media. The guy has had to struggle for most of his life, has 5 kids and is enjoying coming into money. Can't blame him for that. I don't think he'll take his eye off the ball either - the impression I've got from his interviews is that he's hungrier than ever (no pun intended). Personally, I'll be supporting him in the rematch. I've never really liked Joshua ever since the Eddie Chambers thing was leaked (and subsequently covered up). Think he showed his true colours there. Exciting fighter though and legitimately right up there in this era.
Agreed. Looks to be spending his money wisely and securing his children’s future. He’s not bad mouthed anyone, doesn’t trash talk. I was a fan before the AJ fight although I didn’t think he’d win. I think he’s up there in this era too. This doesn’t have to be one massive win, he can take a few more big scalps imo.
I was thinking more about the big mansion he’s bought. He’s always dreamed of owning a rolls royce, no harm in rewarding himself.
