Going for the KO vs Ruiz is what caused AJ to get KD 4 times and quit. And you think he's gonna try that again? Seriously?
But he landed 1st last time. If Ruiz comes in lighter and more prepared then I make him a slight favorite... unless it's in the UK with a dodgy ref.
Nothing I saw in the first fight would suggest Joshua wins a rematch. It's not impossible, he has a chance. But it looked like Ruiz has his number.
AJ will beat Ruiz by decisions. He's now scared of trading punches with Ruiz and those KDs have haunted AJ since the last 2 weeks.
Rahman (while good boxer) was pretty slow and basic. Not a counterpuncher at the slightest, with average handpeed for a HW. Ruiz is completely different, he's fast-handed counterpuncher who will easily catch you when you're coming too aggressive against him. Most Ruiz' opponents were trying to last the distance, not to win. Parker was the only who tried to win but he was very careful and never came aggressive to avoid being caught. AJ heated the things in round 3, and that's when he got caught. In round 7 AJ landed left hook and was caught again. If AJ tries to be aggressive this time to KO Ruiz early, I think he will lose by stoppage once again. AJ needs to fight a different fight in December, box from distance, use his jab more effectivery and not leave himself open for counters.
The bodybuilder is ripe for the pickings now. Ruiz will be alot aggressive now, he knows Joshua is there to be got to. The bomb squad gonna get ringside tickets for this one. And ready to scoop Joshua up when he's unconscious, wheel him to Al Haymon headquarters. And make him sign that contract, so Deontay can get at him too. Lol.
Joshua's facing a real strategy dilemma in the rematch. He has two basic options. 1. come out blazing in an effort to get Ruiz out of there quickly and extinguish the threat. 2. play it safe and box from a distance without opening up too much and try to win a long fight that way. The problem with the 1st option is that he leaves himself open for exactly the same results as we saw in the first fight. The problem with the 2nd option is that he's never done that before (except with the referee's assistance v. Parker) and Ruiz is smart and fast and patient enough to work his own way in. Doing option 1 is a massive gamble that requires perfection as well as ridiculous set of balls, considering the way the first fight went. Doing option 2 requires Joshua becoming a completely different and better fighter than he's been before.
Bob Arum says Joshua should stay away from Ruiz until he has had a couple of warm up fights, have to agree and think Joshua is getting KTFO.
The same people who can't see how AJ wins the rematch are the ones who think Wilder will improve and overturn his defeat to Fury!! Go figure!! Casuals