No disrespect to AJ fans but I think this is a fair question. But please - Don't shoot the messenger, I got nothing to do with his TKO loss. Your thoughts ?
I think he is, I think he seriously underestimated Ruiz who knew Anthony's flaws. But I don't think he's bad, I think he could still be best in the division. With any luck Wilder will find his ass after the Ruiz rematch and we'll finally have the undisputed fight
Over rated is a question I ask of myself once a fighter is twice retired, LOL as they usually comeback. Way too many fights where a guy seemed either A. Over Rated B. Exposed. Then they come back and win fights few expected. I think those who called themselves fans of AJ and berated Ruiz as a pick-even though he was a sub...those posters have a lot to answer for. IMO AJ isn't Over rated by the loss. Losing to a fat guy isn't a qualifier, rather losing to a guy with no fundamentals allows such a question. But I admit once, watching Toney vs Rahman II, no matter what James did, I kept going back to his blubbery body in awe someone could look that bad. I think some have done this with Ruiz. Looking at his body as opposed to what he presented in the ring last night. What he presented makes me think that AJ wasn't overate, except maybe his fans. But in general? Let him fight a few more years and see what he does and Ruiz does to determine.
You certainly can't rate Joshua lowly when you look at the good names that he's beaten. Ruiz was just under rated. Us Parker fans are well aware of Ruiz. He earn't his respect when he loss to Parker in a fight where many felt Ruiz won. I knew Ruiz was going to be difficult. He has experience, hand speed toughness and he's a Mexican. I didn't think AJ would drop him so early but I did not think Ruiz would actually win. Nothing but respect to the Champ Ruiz.
The bar was set quite low, compared to Wilder, yeah, he looked like Sugar Ray Leonard, but compared to every other boxer on the planet. He's as average as they come. He has power and basic decent fundamentals, and that will take you a loooooong way most of the time, until you step foot in the ring with someone who can evade your best shots, take them well when hit and in turn deliver their own accurately.
And thats a good point. Ruiz has been boxing a lot longer than AJ. Ruiz has had a 100 amateur fights. Well developed.
Of course he is, A few facts: Wlad was 41 Pove was 38 and way past it he couldnt even ko rudenko and was kdown by price, still was able to win a couple rounds. He couldnt get to parker who got floored by whyte Thats his career in a nutshell. He is a perfect example of an slightly over average athlete that had a career that he never should have had by great management, luck and fanboyism. He should pick up bbc porn as a second career choice, me and tyson fury like to see seem him there way more then in boxing and he should let price fighting to guys like wilder and fury.
of course, he picked up one title from a diver and a vacant 2nd one from a 40something who was serially mashed in his prime. but you cannot take anything from him winning Parkers title. except ruiz i guess.
Possibly as of right now , but that can change if he overturns the result in an immediate rematch. Ruiz is a good fighter , he has skills and isn't a bum. It was never going to be the easy fight so many people thought it would be. His speed , iron chin and pressure may always be an problem for a guy with poor stamina like AJ. If AJ loses again it will be a disaster. Fury is looking like he's the best of the bunch once again. If he an get past Wilder , he'll soundly outbox Joshua.
Not overrated since there was no one at that point to rate over him as number one. Exposed as being flawed and vulnerable? Yes.
Of course, but the whole heavyweight division is overrated. Can't wait for Usyk to give these chumps a boxing lesson.