If I'm not mistaken, if Joshua defeats Ruiz, he'll become the fourth Heavyweight in history to win his title straight after losing it i.e. Patterson-Johansson, Ali-Spinks and Lewis-Rahman, at Heavyweight at least - whilst I have to honour the rematch king: Sugar Ray Robinson (winning his title from LaMotta 21 days after losing it). Joshua and Ruiz had certain similarities to Patterson and Johansson (not including the champion underestimating the underdog vibe), if anyone else feels that way? If not from the ESPN article that Bert Sugar wrote in 2006 about it; though unlike Patterson in the rematch, Joshua can't be the constant aggressor, but obviously Johansson was no Ruiz and the rematch happen almost a year after, with Patterson living like a monk as far as training was concerned, avoided the press/media etc. Any thoughts?
Whoops forgot about that; and the irony is that I don't believe he changed trainers when he fought the first time, regardless of whether it was a one-punch knockout. To an extent you could define that left-hook at the back of the ear as a one-punch decision maker.
Joshua could do it. The odds aren't likely. Patterson did regain the title from Ingemar, but Ingemar failed to regain it from Patterson. And Patterson failed when he tried to regain it in an immediate rematch with Liston. And Liston failed when he tried to regain it in an immediate rematch with Ali. And on and on. Tyson against Holyfield. Walcott against Marciano. Weaver against Dokes. Holmes against Spinks. Most guys who lose the title don't even routinely win their first comeback fight - see Joseph Parker most recently (along with guys like John Tate, Leon Spinks, Bonecrusher, Page, etc.) whether they get an immediate rematch or not. Five months (if they fight in November) is a really short turnaround, considering how Joshua lost. He didn't lose a close decision or get caught with a lucky punch. We'll see. I don't expect him to, though. There's a reason why it's only happened three times in 140 years or so.
Yea that reason is BECAUSE there haven't been that many back to back rematches but out of them the better fighter USUALLY wins a rematch. DUH....lol
