After Ruiz wins the rematch, there will be a frenzy where all the mandatory contenders try and force their shot at the belts It will most likely be Pulev, Usyk and maybe Charr / Bryan? I think the IBF will force Pulev on Ruiz first, Takam was the last IBF mandatory and that was 2 years ago Who wins and how?
WBO and IBF want unified champion, they have said it the other day, so no, the won't push for Pulev-Ruiz. After the rematch then maybe IBF will push for Pulev, who by that time will have fought somebody and it's not sure he would win.
I would give Ruiz jr. a slight advantage just because he deserves it for his performance against Joshua but Pulev has something which could make him struggle...a jab.
The fight would be a lot closer than a lot expect it to be. Pulev may have less dynamics, physical tools than Joshua but hes got an excellent jab and workman mentality. It would not be an easy fight for Ruiz Jr. Favor the champ to win a close decision but wouldn't be shocked in the slightest if Pulev edged it.
It comes down to what Pulev has left in the tank. Myself, I think he's on fumes. However, if he has a good performance left in him his jab could cause all sorts of problems for Ruiz. He might be able to fight the fight that AJ couldn't.
There was a poll before with this fight. And I was surprised Pulev was quite a majority favourite. I don't think Kubret is durable enough for Ruiz, and would get caught like Joshua trying to pressure him.
Ruiz by forfeit. Pulev kisses Ruiz on the mouth inappropriately at the weigh in ... and get's himself suspended for another 6 months. He just can't help himself.
I think Pulev is mentally tougher and has more of a workmans mentality than AJ. Pulevs major pitfall as a fighter is a lack of concussive one punch power. But he's lived on the jab and doing the basics extremely well along with his mental toughness.
I think Pulev would/could box smart enough to have too much for Ruiz, he has a great jab and with a good game plan, he's got the skills to back it up. Honestly, AJ too, if he'd boxed smart, which I believe he can do better than many here believe...would have beaten Ruiz, as he would Pulev. He didn't though, he smelled blood and went in too hard too fast, and made it Ruiz' fight. Ruiz is someone who I wouldn't give 0 chance to against anybody though
Ruiz stink faces Pulev in the corner. The neanderthal pulev should be fined his purse & paid to that innocent virgin woman.. Joking I picked pulev
