Debatable: Andy Ruiz Jr. Vs Anthony Joshua 2
Welcome to Debatable! The series where we put two boxing fans against each other and they predict who they think will win an upcoming fight and today it’s a big one, it’s Andy Ruiz Jr verses Anthony Joshua. Who would’ve thought before the first of June that these two would be fighting again? I am joined by somebody who isn’t new to Debatable, John who thinks Anthony Joshua will regain the heavyweight titles and I am also joined by Evan - a newcomer to Debatable who thinks that Andy Ruiz will retain the heavyweight championships. I am Josh from AllThingsCombat.com and I will be providing the questions. Hello gentlemen, the first question is how long have you two been watching boxing for?
John Patrick: It's been about over 15 years now, my hero growing up was Joe Calzaghe, he was the boxer that first got me into the sport and from then on I've avidly followed boxing.
Evan Young: Since the early 1970's. Yes, I've been aound even thpugh I may not look it. lol.
John Patrick: It's been about over 15 years now, my hero growing up was Joe Calzaghe, he was the boxer that first got me into the sport and from then on I've avidly followed boxing.
Evan Young: Since the early 1970's. Yes, I've been aound even thpugh I may not look it. lol.
Josh: Evan, I have to ask. Before the first of June, did you see Andy Ruiz beating Anthony Joshua?
Evan: No. I was focused on some other bettable fights that weekend and virtually ignored it. Althoughm I've felt Joshua has lost something since his Klitschko war and really hasn't looked the same. And i knew Ruiz wasn't just a chubby kid. He has some ability.
Josh; John, did you see Joshua losing to Ruiz?
John: I can't say I did I thought it would be a routine match up for Joshua but how wrong I was. When I first watched the fight I thought it was a bad night for Joshua but after watching it back a couple more times, Ruiz thoroughly deserved the win. He was the smaller guy in there but after he got knocked down he raised his game and bossed AJ. He fully deserved the win.
Josh: And what do you think Joshua needs to do in the fight to get the win over Ruiz?
John: He needs to work behind his jab a lot more, he has the reach advantage and he needs to utilise it wisely. Ruiz will walk him down and go for him with those massive hooks but he needs to step back and not allow Ruiz to get into any kind of rhythm. Whenever Ruiz is on the offensive he needs to smother him as if he goes toe to toe with Ruiz then it will end up with Joshua on the canvas yet again. Also Ruiz will look to cut off the ring so he can unload those big combinations but Joshua needs to use his footwork a lot more efficiently if he is to stay out of danger.
Josh: And Evan, how do you think Ruiz will win? What strategy does he go for?
Evan: Ruiz just has be himself. He just fougth the percieved best heavyweight in the world, took his best shots, recovered and was able to hurt Joshua. He got into Joshua's head who was baffled as to why he coundn't stop this short portly heavyweight. But Ruiz showed fast hands and no fear. I expect he'll start ourt slowly , hands, high and unload as he sees fit. Joshua will want to jab and Ruiz will slip and slide inside of that and release heavy shots when the time presents itself - which may be when Joshua opens up himself. As long as he's fit and well trained, he will be prepared to repeat the task.
Evan: No. I was focused on some other bettable fights that weekend and virtually ignored it. Althoughm I've felt Joshua has lost something since his Klitschko war and really hasn't looked the same. And i knew Ruiz wasn't just a chubby kid. He has some ability.
Josh; John, did you see Joshua losing to Ruiz?
John: I can't say I did I thought it would be a routine match up for Joshua but how wrong I was. When I first watched the fight I thought it was a bad night for Joshua but after watching it back a couple more times, Ruiz thoroughly deserved the win. He was the smaller guy in there but after he got knocked down he raised his game and bossed AJ. He fully deserved the win.
Josh: And what do you think Joshua needs to do in the fight to get the win over Ruiz?
John: He needs to work behind his jab a lot more, he has the reach advantage and he needs to utilise it wisely. Ruiz will walk him down and go for him with those massive hooks but he needs to step back and not allow Ruiz to get into any kind of rhythm. Whenever Ruiz is on the offensive he needs to smother him as if he goes toe to toe with Ruiz then it will end up with Joshua on the canvas yet again. Also Ruiz will look to cut off the ring so he can unload those big combinations but Joshua needs to use his footwork a lot more efficiently if he is to stay out of danger.
Josh: And Evan, how do you think Ruiz will win? What strategy does he go for?
Evan: Ruiz just has be himself. He just fougth the percieved best heavyweight in the world, took his best shots, recovered and was able to hurt Joshua. He got into Joshua's head who was baffled as to why he coundn't stop this short portly heavyweight. But Ruiz showed fast hands and no fear. I expect he'll start ourt slowly , hands, high and unload as he sees fit. Joshua will want to jab and Ruiz will slip and slide inside of that and release heavy shots when the time presents itself - which may be when Joshua opens up himself. As long as he's fit and well trained, he will be prepared to repeat the task.
Josh: Evan, if Ruiz does win, where does he go from here?
Evan: I'm sure he'd welcome a unification fight if that was available to him. He and Wilder are both PBC fighters so theorettically that could get made. But will Al Haymon allow it ? I don't know.
Josh: John, if Joshua gets the win, does a trilogy happen or does something else happen?
John: If Joshua wins I think he will be glad to see the back of A.R in all honesty so I couldn't see a trilogy happening any time soon. A fight against Deontay Wilder would be for the undisputed HW champion of the world and would be the biggest fight of the decade in my opinion and it's been a fight that's been in the work for years. Fury will lobby to try and get a piece of Joshua first but an opportunity to be undisputed doesn't come around often therefore if Joshua gets the win it should be Wilder next.
Josh: And if a fight between the winner of the fight and Wilder does take place, who have you both got for that?
John: I'd have to go for Wilder for that one, he could lose every round but all he needs is one massive punch that ends the fight in an instant. Wilder is fascinating to watch as he is so unorthodox and unpredictable, he would be too much for AJ.
Evan: Wilder can certainly KO anyone he hits cleanly. But his elite opponents include Ortiz and Fury. There is a big drop off afer that. Ruiz started in the gym as a child and does not fear Wilder. I can see Ruiz getting inside Wilders length and unloading on his tall frame. He's got the chin, speed, pedigree and physical strength to do it. Ruiz is oddly built with a long torso and short legs. He's built like an NFL pulling guard. But take note of his legs, he has extremely powerful thighs which serve him well and his punches are slung by his hips and legs. His upperbody is chunky but loose and very functional. He's a problem for Wilder. Pick is Ruiz.
Evan: I'm sure he'd welcome a unification fight if that was available to him. He and Wilder are both PBC fighters so theorettically that could get made. But will Al Haymon allow it ? I don't know.
Josh: John, if Joshua gets the win, does a trilogy happen or does something else happen?
John: If Joshua wins I think he will be glad to see the back of A.R in all honesty so I couldn't see a trilogy happening any time soon. A fight against Deontay Wilder would be for the undisputed HW champion of the world and would be the biggest fight of the decade in my opinion and it's been a fight that's been in the work for years. Fury will lobby to try and get a piece of Joshua first but an opportunity to be undisputed doesn't come around often therefore if Joshua gets the win it should be Wilder next.
Josh: And if a fight between the winner of the fight and Wilder does take place, who have you both got for that?
John: I'd have to go for Wilder for that one, he could lose every round but all he needs is one massive punch that ends the fight in an instant. Wilder is fascinating to watch as he is so unorthodox and unpredictable, he would be too much for AJ.
Evan: Wilder can certainly KO anyone he hits cleanly. But his elite opponents include Ortiz and Fury. There is a big drop off afer that. Ruiz started in the gym as a child and does not fear Wilder. I can see Ruiz getting inside Wilders length and unloading on his tall frame. He's got the chin, speed, pedigree and physical strength to do it. Ruiz is oddly built with a long torso and short legs. He's built like an NFL pulling guard. But take note of his legs, he has extremely powerful thighs which serve him well and his punches are slung by his hips and legs. His upperbody is chunky but loose and very functional. He's a problem for Wilder. Pick is Ruiz.
Josh: And final question for you both as I don’t want this dragging on. Who do you think wins and how do they do it?
Evan: As I said before Ruiz just has to be himself. Joshua is not a mover and his jab and right hand won't be able to carry the day as he will still be close enough for Ruiz to find him. I see a similar result. I don't think Joshua really wants this anymore but is giving it one more go. Ruiz hurts him again, breaks his spirit again and stops him midpoint in the fight.
John: For me Joshua on points, but only if he keeps the fight at a distance. I see this as a 50-50 fight but if Joshua can keep the head and not get into a brawl then I'm confident Joshua can get the decision and bring the belts back home.
Josh: Well, thank you both for your inputs. I’m sure it’s going to be a fantastic fight with a good undercard. Thank you both for participating!
Evan: You're welcome. Happy to do it!
John: Always a pleasure!
Evan: As I said before Ruiz just has to be himself. Joshua is not a mover and his jab and right hand won't be able to carry the day as he will still be close enough for Ruiz to find him. I see a similar result. I don't think Joshua really wants this anymore but is giving it one more go. Ruiz hurts him again, breaks his spirit again and stops him midpoint in the fight.
John: For me Joshua on points, but only if he keeps the fight at a distance. I see this as a 50-50 fight but if Joshua can keep the head and not get into a brawl then I'm confident Joshua can get the decision and bring the belts back home.
Josh: Well, thank you both for your inputs. I’m sure it’s going to be a fantastic fight with a good undercard. Thank you both for participating!
Evan: You're welcome. Happy to do it!
John: Always a pleasure!
