Just saw that photo of AJ with his 'new, leaner, meaner' physique, first reaction was bad idea going into a dangerous fight like this with a new physique that presumably is designed for speed and movement. If Joshua's plan is to move, box and fight off the back foot then he's getting KO'ed again, Ruiz is too fast, skilled and too good a counter puncher for AJ to outbox, that's what he tried to do the first fight. AJ should really be looking to hold the centre of the ring and push Ruiz back to prevent him from getting leverage on his punches, not fighting off the backfoot. Ruiz KO
I agree. The fact he’s going to get a full camp this time can only help him even more. Joshua’s stamina is poor and this with his rigidity and slow feet is what’s had me predicting he’d lose for a long time. As soon as I start changing my opinion as I couldn’t see the big fights happening Ruiz happened. I was guilty of looking past him. As people have eluded to Ruiz coming out early and swamping him may not be such a bad idea. I could just see a proper mentally right Joshua using his jab and taking centre ring, not allowing Ruiz to get near him. But Ruiz is a lot slicker than he looks and will find a way in, particularly if Joshua tires and them combinations will start landing, if nothing else forcing Joshua to work when he doesn’t want to. I’m looking forward to this now.
Joshua will refuse to engage and put on a show of running away for 12 rounds worthy of Hughie Fury. Why else do you think it's in SA where "fans" won't care that it's a stinker? Why else has he shed some of his muscle to enable him to move? Come on! It's so obvious! The fix is in for a AJ points robbery after 12 rounds of running in a venue and country where not a jot will be cared about the performance, only the show.
Disagree. Joshua looked quite comfortable in the first 2 rounds and was boxing quite well, turning Ruiz, and using his reach to his advantage. Of course it all went to hell in a handcart after Ruiz landed that left hook on the ear in the 3rd. From that point on Joshua was just surviving as the legs/balance had gone, the tank emptied and he couldn't keep Ruiz off. What AJ needs to do for the rematch is improve his stamina by losing some of that bulk and avoid getting sucked into exchanges with a man with quicker hands. Fight off a snappy jab mainly, controlling the range, and let the right hand go when the opportunity presents itself.
This is going to be an interesting thread to revisit. Probably AJ on points but I'll say by stoppage.
Well without wanting to start an argument I'm not sure what fight you were watching because I just rewatched the first two rounds and AJ looked anything but comfortable, he wasn't landing anything of note, Ruiz's head movement and constant threat of counters was unsettling AJ even at that early stage.
Ruiz is a fat slob and is a disgrace to himself and the sport of boxing. Overnight he turned the heavyweight division into the laughing stock of of the world. Joshua carelessly **** the bed in the first fight and will engage his brain this time. Balance will be restored come 7 December. AJ by wide UD.
Just a civilised discussion between 2 passionate boxing fans. All good. Using a completely unscientific straw poll. A lot of people thought AJ won the first 2 rounds. A similar number scored it 1 apiece. Virtually nobody scored both rounds for Ruiz. https://www.eyeonthering.com/boxing/anthony-joshua-vs-andy-ruiz
I love how much he’s upset people who think only those with a body builder like physique should hold world titles.
Joshua will try to box and move behind a long jab. Keep his hands high and chin down. Ruiz will put the pressure on. AJ gasses after 7 or 8 rounds and Ruiz gets to him.
This is hard to call, I'm not even sure how AJ should approach it, try and box and win a stinker or just try and get Ruiz out of there sharpish before he inevitably gasses. My head says Joshua can't make the required adjustments in only a few months But my heart says he is much better than what he showed last time out. I dunno it's a really interesting fight, looking forward to it