What power punchers in history have been "runners" in the ring?

One thing, there's a difference between fighting on the backfoot and running. There are many levels on that scale.

Also, who says he has to fight on the backfoot? "Only" thing he has to do is keep Ruiz at range most of the fight. That can mean center ring, that can be holding ground, that can be turning front and back, that can be on the front foot even (Wlad/Vitaly style).
Then there are multiple spoil styles to chose from too.

I don't think it's in Joshua's best interest even to fight going backwards against Ruiz.

 

That's a fair post by OP. Joshua's strengths are certainly his size and power. However, I feel the first fight showed that they might not be enough to deal with Ruiz' speed, combination punching and chin. Maybe a new approach is needed.

 

Acelino Freitas. Great KO%, but when he changed trainers he was asked to change his style. Hurt against Barrios he did some serious running/moving.

Not to set shots up, just running, then outta nowhere BAM!

 

Keith Thurman is a power punching runner. His way of defense is running. He wastes alot of movement without purpose.

David Haye isnt really a runner but he did just that with Wlad.

 

Rigo.

 

And against Valuev

 

Bakhodir Jalolov. Even against opposition that are MASSIVELY undersized compared to him, he still gets pushed pack. Soft AF.

 

He chooses to box that way stop being ridiculous

 

Dustin Nichols

 

Not an ounce of grit in him. A boxing match is a sport/athletic event, but its a fight too. He boxes almost as if hes petrified of taking a range-finding jab to the gloves. He does it to the point its kind of reminiscent of Loma, except being significantly smaller than most of his opponents, hes usually got over 4 inches and 40 lbs on them. Embarrassing. Hed be a great fencer though.

 

He wasn't a "runner" but if hearns couldn't get you out of there he'd used his length and fought at range, using his legs sometimes and maintaining an outside game plan despite tremendous power. It's honestly the smart thing to do if you're that tall.

I don't like the idea of Joshua attempting a style change at the age of 30 against an opponent he just lost to. If he were a cerebral chess match type boxer whose known for adaptability id be all for it, but that would be a huge risk right now. You don't experiment with a guy like Ruiz who has fast hands and bull like determination.

We saw Joshua attempt to be cute with a low jab and fighting on the back foot against the similarly sized povetkin and his nose got busted up. I feel like unless he's successfully used that sort of style against at least 2-3 other opponents he shouldn't use a half assed technical style against the man who just beat him.

There's a difference between changing your style and changing your game plan. Joshua has the tools to beat anyone in the division. He's got all those muscles, a nasty uppercut, and a decent jab when he uses it. He should take ring center and make Ruiz step to him, pop him as he goes in, and time him with uppercuts. Don't slug it out as his hands are slower and he has worse stamina. If Ruiz gets inside, tie hin up and reset or p ush him back and dig in with some body shots and give him something to think about. Don't give up an inch at ring center and dont back up, only pivot of the front foot to maintain position and frustrate ruiz who has to find a way inside and get past the jab whenever they separate.

Holyfield, Wladmir and Foreman have plenty of fights where they show how to bully a smaller stocky pit bull fighter who charges in. I have no idea why his corner hasnt studied those fights.

 

Derek Cheezora.

 

I'd like more boxing and using his reach, and then stepping in quick with the occasional power combo. He'd stop Ruiz fighting in that manner. You won't correct his poor inside defense in a few months, so better to play it safe.

 

James Toney.