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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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I think Ruiz. Literally the worst matchup Joshua could have, always looking to fight on the inside and his hand speed is great. Only way I can see Joshua winning is hiding behind the jab all fight, which will be a tough task. |
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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago
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That's the way most of his backers see him winning alright. Safety first, boring, grinding out a points win.
But I agree with you. Stylistically this is a bad match up for AJ. His machismo will have him engage at some stage and that could be bad news. The lucky punch narrative is nonsense. That was a hard, accurate left hook that left him discombobulated last time. |
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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago
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Accidentally deleted the original post!
I'd asked "Who've ya got" and explained why I think Ruiz does it again.
But asking people here, repeat or revenge? |
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I agree Ruiz is the worst match up for Joshua.
Joshua trading with Ruiz last time was a huge mistake, he was constantly countered and took a lot of body shots. His footwork was poor and against someone with exceptionally quick hands, it's a recipe for disaster.
Ruiz's inside work was great.
This time around I think Joshua's game plan will be to jab, move and retain distance with the intention of being occasionally explosive.
He needs to to go back to basics in terms of when to engage, i.e hit Ruiz when Ruiz isn't punching and not trade. His footwork will need massive improvement.
The problem for Joshua is Ruiz I think is confident he can force Joshua to trade by cutting off the ring and going inside and putting together quick combinations. He dismantled Joshua last time and the lucky punch comments from Joshua are totally wrong. And he knows it. It wasn't the one punch to the temple that made the difference, it was the quick hand speed that set that punch up.
I backed Ruiz last time but not before the fight, I think it was after the second round. I'm not confident to back either man at their current odds.
As much as I'd like to see Joshua win, and I would then expect a third fight, I'm going to go with Ruiz simply because he has the style and speed to dismantle Joshua again. I don't think he'll allow Joshua to dictate and he'll cut off the space, get inside and work on Joshua's left ribs. If they trade, his shot count will outnumber Joshua's. Ultimately, Ruiz will stay small.
If Joshua sorts his footwork out, jabs well and and can somehow not trade in the first half of the fight, he can take Ruiz into the championship rounds and finish him before the need for points.
It's a difficult one. I'll stick with Ruiz as his size and style is a nightmare for Joshua.
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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Great commentary on this thread. I really want AJ to win because he would inspire the next generation in our uk but I fear Ruiz will pull off another surprise? Ruiz was seriously good last time. |
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