AJ is not very strong. He looks strong but that doesn't mean he is. Ruiz slapped him around. Usyk was bumping him and owning him in clinches. His stamina sucks and he turns into a wet lettuce weaker than a child. Atleast he was strong enough that Wlad wasn't able to push him over another bully who folded when some big men came to slap him up. Fury is clearly the strongest HW of this era. Fury doesn't know exhaustion, exhaustion knows Fury. And besides physical everyone knows the warrior mental spirit can make the difference at that highest level. Usyk & Fury not only have it but harness it for when the well is dry. They find more because they are born fighters.
He can't take a punch that is true, however all those muscles must translate into something positive for him
See, thats the difference between AJ and Wilder. AJ is rather timid and tends not to do well when the situation calls for him to get tough whether it is to bounce back from a knockdown or go for the kill. Wilder on the other hand, going for the kill is what he was made for. He's almost like a modern day Iron Mike when talking about the intimidation factor he brings into the ring. If this fight happens I'd bet on Wilder. He might not be as skilled or well-rounded as AJ, but the dude knows how to land that right hand when he needs to and when he does he will keep attacking to make sure the other guy goes down. The only person that didn't work on was Fury, but then Fury is mentally strong and proved you need more than power to keep him down. AJ though? Ruiz knocked away his confidence. Imagine what would happen if Wilder hit him. He'd either quit or his team would throw in the towel for him when they see his confidence is shattered.
This is still a fascinating matchup. So many questions and so few answers for both of them at this point.
I'll root for Joshua but my honest assessment is that Wilder blasts him out early. Joshua has the tools to beat Wilder but not the confidence at the moment.
I’ve always favored Deonkey to starch AJ, still do. But this is like another Davis/Garcia situation, I hope it’s a double ko. If anything I’m rooting for Joshua. I don’t know what’d be worse, another AJ meltdown, or having to hear Wilder brag.