Joshua analysis of the Ruiz fight

[Mark TKO]

How confident will ruiz be though.

What's that saying. Knock a man out and you'll knock him out even quicker in the rematch...

There have been exceptions of course over the years but not many spring to mind.

[Master]

It is a huge risk but AJ has put himself in this position where he was regarded as the best heavyweight champion and getting justly rewarded for it.

If AJ is not at that standard any more then it is better for him to find out sooner rather than string it out and lose to a lower rated fighter later.

I believe AJ became champion too soon but the division was so weak it would have been criminal not to take the opportunity to win the title against the worst champion in history. AJ was essentially learning as a champion and to illustrate that went the distance for the first time against Parker.

I cannot understand why AJ lost to Ruiz other than he let his standards slip and got caught. If it was just an “off night” then he should win it back.

[Beanz]

You get caught at this weight and at this level, and it throws all your good intentions and plans into the river. AJ needs to get Eddy to force Ruiz hand and make the rematch in the UK. Enforce the contract and use the attributes he has rather than focus on Ruiz ability to upset the apple cart again. It is not just about establishing a 'jab' or 'space' it is about establishing his ability to do what he wants. Stand up, don't spread your feet and stoop to Ruiz' level (height wise) it will leave you wide open to a lateral attack ,step in like you mean it, not tentatively, and Ruiz can't set and throw at will like he did every time AJ hesitated in the first fight. Dictate and press your advantage. That is what Ruiz did from the moment AJ handed him the belts prefight. He gave him the permission to dictate terms in the ring also and so it is SO, SO important psychologically that AJ sets terms for rematch. They signed the contract, honour it or be forced to do so.

It is still no guarantee but it is the only reasonable hope he has of getting back on track. Fighting again in the US will be seen as capitulation and it will eat away at him. Bring him over here and force the fight. Focus on that as the first prefight round and build on that.