Has anyone else found a newfound respect for AJ?

Not newfound. AJ has always wanted to make the big fights. Usyk is the same.

 

It's easy to criticize AJ, but I thought he improved in the second Usyk fight and actually started to come on a little bit later in the fight. Usyk rose to the occasion, but I give AJ credit for the improvement and pushing Usyk to demonstrate his greatness.

 

I'm not sure if Phil Leotardo provides us with a good moral compass.

 

If he can't put away a tub like Franklin he's defo on the downside.

 

I do not think the whole Fury show creates respect for AJ... AJ has his issues and apart from Fury could not secure a fight with Wilder.... Which also robbed us of unified.... So not without his faults

However... He has carried much pressure on his shoulders in the UK trying to maintain his squeaky clean image and persona of the humble man... And for most part he has done it well and mostly comes across as a nice guy.... which in this business counts for something.... So still have respect for him after his losses....

 

Not a fan of this opponent selection for the comeback fight. Fighting the guy who lost his crossroads fight?

Even Wilder did better.

 

Have to agree with you....

Think Hearn is part of this decision..... His precocious fight can't afford another loss.... Or will be banished into obscurity with nobody wanting a fight....

Will forgive this step.... However his move after this (Surely he wins... I think).... Will be very important and really should try to get back in the big leagues.... Sooner than later....

 

with Fury’s rep tanking, there is unironically a path to redemption for AJ. keep winning, stay active, and call Tyson out. but Hearn will need to hold his hand all the way, and we don’t know if he really wants it.

 

You cannot seriously blame AJ for not being able to make the Wilder fight happen.

Wilder wouldn't ever get his ass out of the USA, and Wilder basically admitted he ducked AJ to fight post retired Fury instead for 0 belts because he thought he was finished.

 

I have more respect for him as a true fighting man than I do for that diva Fury. Their roles have well and truly reversed in the past few years.

 

AJs opponents always get a healthy check in fairness to him.

 

I respect Joshua for being a clown and meltdown specialist. Proper circus act, should do it full time.

 

Whether I like the guy or not, I've always respected his resume and willingness to fight. I've never rooted for him barring maybe the Wlad fight but I can't deny that he's good for the division and I am actually quite happy he is making a comeback.

 

I actually didn't mind him until what happened at the end of the Usyk 2 fight.....never heard so much embarrassing nonsense in my life.

That said I do agree with Eddie, he has a far better resume than Fury does.

 

I saw what he did in the ring after Usyk and I've seen nothing changes since from him, he's just been quiet.

AJ also offered Usyk 50% in that rematch clause, like Fury just did.

So no, not at all.