Tomorrow night is the big rematch between Anthony Joshua and Andy Ruiz and I’m here to put a stake in the ground. Anthony Joshua won’t lose again.
The first fight was one of the biggest upsets in the history of the sport. It was truly shocking and yet no one believes it was a fluke. Honestly, most people believe Ruiz will win again. I’m not one of those people.
This has nothing to do with underrating Andy Ruiz. I think he’s the real deal. I just don’t think this fight is going to look like the first and here’s why:
Before the fight Andy Ruiz was relatively poor and unknown. Now he’s famous and rich. In press conferences he still seems like the same nice guy except he’s dripping in ice now. He’s rocking diamond necklaces and expensive watches everywhere he goes. I still think he’s talented and going to put up a hell of a fight but that tiny edge that comes with being hungry and having a chip on his shoulder is no longer the same. Sure, he still wants to win. I’m not doubting his effort or skill. I’m saying there is something mental that happens to people when they become successful and it’s not conscious. The fire inside him simply won’t burn as strong and since boxing is a game of inches I think this will be the factor that swings the fight in Anthony Joshua’s favor.
On top of this, Anthony Joshua has spent all his time since this fight gaining a chip on his shoulder. Everything he had built was crumbled in one fight. His entire career was put under question because he overlooked a relatively unknown fighter. That won’t happen again. Joshua has every advantage on paper with his size and reach so with more time to game plan Joshua’s team will be prepared for Ruiz. Joshua didn’t use his jab to keep Ruiz away in the first fight and instead let Ruiz brawl with him. There’s no way he makes that mistake again.
Mark down a Joshua victory. Mark down a third and final fight in 6 months.
