They are roughly the same height so Ruiz won’t have the same issue of his target being too small to hit like Joshua and Fury had. Ruiz also is faster than anybody Usyk has ever fought so I think Usyk could get taken off guard and caught at some point. The previous guys Usyk fought were looking to land one hard knockout punch and couldn’t find it. Andy however would be looking to overwhelm Usyk with punches in bunches. Similar to what Chisora did to Usyk and I believe the Chisora fight was the closest anybody got to beating Usyk.
A fit Andy Ruiz could do a lot of things, possibly reach ATG level… The guy had great fundamentals, impressive speed, solid power, and he was a dawg……. …..BUT, there are many reasons fighters fall short of their potential…. Ruiz’ discipline / fitness is an example of that..
Seen crazier things in boxing, styles makes fights, etc. wouldn't surprise me if a motivated Ruiz is the one to have the most success against Usyk (DEFINITELY not saying he would win)... ...but a fit Ruiz is becoming a "legendary" fighter like 'Ubereem' or 'Cus Demato never passed Tyson" etc. Answer is no
The same Ruiz who got out boxed by Joshua in the rematch,struggled with Arreola,struggled with Ruiz,drew with Miller is going to beat Usyk !
I think peak Andy with his hand speed, and give Usyk a new look, but his foot speed will let him down and Usyk will adjust and take over the fight. I'm imagining something like an 8-4, 9-3 UD for Usyk.
All the attributes you're describing for Ruiz.... Speed, similar height, combination punching.... These are all things Usyk dealt with when he was a cruiser. From OP it seems like he's saying Usyks career started at HW lol or do you think he's put on weight now and lost skills and ability he had at CW?
I must admit i was interested in what Ruiz would bring to the heavyweight division after he beat AJ, however sadly as we all know, he only brought a even bigger buffet appetite. Ruiz firstly is a million miles away from being in contention for a Usyk fight and secondly, i cannot see Ruiz at 36 yrs old even getting himself fit enough. Thirdly on a personal note, from a rose tinted and nostalgic outlook, i always saw the World Heavyweight title in same way as Rocky Marciano: "What could be better than walking down any street in any city and knowing you're the heavyweight champion of the world?", Ruiz by his weight gain in defence of title against AJ, certainly did not show Ruiz valued the title in same way.
Could I lead the New York Jets to the Super Bowl as QB? No. But I'd have a better chance than Ruiz defeating Usyk.
Hahaha, its important to note, my statements were made working on the assumption that a “fit” Andy Ruiz is a mythical being that we’ve never seen before.. Similar to an Amir Khan with an iron chin.
Andy Ruiz is the most overrated fighter of the last 30 years. He's a B level fighter that landed a lucky punch on an over confident overrated heavyweight himself. He lacks the mental discipline to get himself in proper shape. That's enough to tell me he lacks the mentality to ever compete at the highest levels.