No diminishing of reflexes, strength or power detected so they're both very close to their peak physically. Mentally though it's a different story, Fury is riding high and must feel like nothing can stop him (which could ultimately be his downfall) whereas AJ looks a bit fragile and doubtful. But if AJ boxes cautiously and manages to catch and hurt Fury early on with one of those straight rights that will give his confidence a huge boost
What I meant as an example of AJ & Fury peaking or not was: Could both the "present" AJ and Fury still beat the 40ish yr old Wlad they fought previously if it was for the "first time as of now". If so do they do it any easier, differently, or not at all ?
Gotcha. I'd say about the same results. Considering what happened in Wlad-AJ and AJ-Ruiz, I'd say a 40 y/o Wlad's better chance would be vs. AJ.
Fury threw away his prime years and is past his prime. No one can take almost 3 years off and walk around 130 pounds overweight at age 27 to 29 and come back to reach that peak again. It's difficult to assess how much AJ has improved, stayed the same or gone back since the Ruiz loss, but with his clean living, activity level and work ethic, he's pretty much still at his peak, I guess.
I agree, we've seen the best Fury against Klitschko and we won't quite see that version again. AJ is coming into his peak now I feel. Ultimately, the loss will have improved him as it does all fighters who can process it and come out stronger at the other end.
Both are close to peak It's honestly the perfect time for both to fight ... AJ redeeming himself against Ruiz and Fury burying the myth of Wilder
Both at their peak. In there primes. Wether their skills have dulled due to lack of fights and training is another issue. I think AJ exposes Fury, and drops his IBF belt to avoid the winner of Hrgovic and Hunter and keeps Fury WBC belt.
I wold agree. It might also explain their selection of opponents and a reason why this fight is finally happening.
Athletes nearly always peak in their 20s. I think a [crudely speaking] banger like AJ probably peaked a couple of years ago. I think Fury would have done the same i.e. peaked a couple of years ago, if he hadn't switched trainers, if he'd kept trying to refight his Klitschko/Wilder I fight, relying on speed to some extent. The change of trainer & style might mean that he can improve a little further. Is he as good now/will he ever be as good as he could have been a couple of years ago if he'd stayed in the gym for his whole career & started working with the Kronk guys in his mid 20s? Highly unlikely IMO. But he might still be better than he ever has been.
